Salvation by Grace Through Faith

People-pleasing has been a part of me as long as I can remember, no matter the amount of sanctification and satisfying work of Christ in my life. I continually feel pulled towards an unhealthy desire of making others happy and gaining their approval. I do not know where this comes from. It could be because I was the only girl in our family growing up, who was also the youngest. It could have come from a law-based salvation that I was taught at a young age. Or, most likely, it is just part of who I am in my flesh, not coming from any external source. So, I am always challenged by these verses in Ephesians 2 that speak of grace through faith, not works. They are verses that, every time I read or think of them, I get a fresh reminder of who Christ is and who I am to be in light of that.

How We Are Saved

The Apostle Paul here is clear that our salvation has nothing to do with us; we have it only by the grace of God in our lives. Grace is God’s unearned favor on those who have sinned against Him, offering us sure salvation. It is important to recognize that Paul does not say you “are being saved” or “will be saved,” but asserts that we “are saved.” A Christian’s salvation is sure and secure, through the grace of God in their lives. It is not something we attain over a certain period of time or receive only at the end of our lives. We have been saved because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross, and we will see that salvation in full one day because of His resurrection.

Before thinking about how Paul tells us we are not saved, let’s look at how we are: through faith. Faith is a confident trust that Christ is who He says He is and has done what he said He would do. So, while it is an initial moment, it is also an ongoing posture. Faith continues in our lives after our personal salvation, with a reliance on Him as Savior and Lord. This grace and this faith are lavish gifts from God; it is not of our own doing. There is nothing within us that can earn grace or muster up just enough faith for salvation. They are given to us so that we can be in a right relationship with God.

How We Are Not Saved

So, we are saved by grace through faith, but how are we not saved? We are not saved by our good works. Praise the Lord for this! It can be so tempting to live in a way that shows we believe this is not true. Within culture, there is constant pressure to perform, to be good enough, or do good enough. We see this within workplaces, social media, within friend groups, and so many other spheres. But this is the countercultural way of Christ. We do not have to do anything to earn salvation! This is an amazing truth in which to rest.

How We Live Out Our Faith

As we continue in our faith, we know that we do have good works though. So why do we have them if they aren’t for the purpose of earning anything? Well Paul makes clear here that we are not saved by our good works, but for good works. All that we do is a result of God’s work in us for salvation as He has made us into a new creation. From this, we are able to walk freely in good works to bring Him praise and honor. 

We are not our own workmanship, but are His workmanship. Our works have been redeemed to be used for the purpose of worship and not achievement. Before the foundations of the world, God had planned to create us new in Christ Jesus with gifts, talents, and abilities that are purpose-given because of His saving grace. This also means we do not work for the approval of man but for the purpose of glorifying God alone. We find true freedom in all God calls us to because our eyes are focused on Him alone for approval. 

Serving in the local church, ministering to the lost, teaching your children, or being faithful in the Word are not things that lead us to salvation. If things would save us, then we would find ourselves caught in a trap of legalism, which is far from the grace God intended. Instead, the opportunities we have to serve are beautiful gifts and joys. Now, we get to live out of our new God-given identity in which we are saved by grace through faith!