Amazing Grace and Good Works - a Winning Combination!

Ephesians 2:1-10

Last week I introduced  you (or re-introduced you, as the case may be) to John Newton, the converted slave ship captain who wrote the timeless hymn "Amazing Grace."  Many well-known secular singers have recorded this song.  The music is powerful, and as these famous singers lend their voices to this solidly biblical hymn, let's pray that they are transformed by the words and message that he wrote so long ago.

The second verse hits the nail on the head:

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!

Look at how Paul describes God's 'unearnable' grace:

v.4-5:  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.

....and he reinforces that message in v. 8-9:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.

So.....of course, a slave captain can't boast of his good works, right?  But me?  I'm basically a good person.....I don't cheat on my taxes, I take care of others, I have a respectable job - I'm certainly not like a despicable slave captain.....or some of the politicians I read about who are always lying and making promises they have no intention of keeping.....or anyone else I can think of who is less deserving than me.

I hear you.  I really do.  But Paul says in verse 2, "As for you, YOU were dead in your transgressions and sins...."  v. 3b:  "Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath."

Like the rest.....we all sin and fall short of the glory of God.  As John Newton said, "I once was lost, but now am found,/Was blind, but now I see."

Yes, Lord, I am like the rest.  I can't earn my salvation.  But you give it to me freely when I confess my sins and invite you to be Lord of my life.  And yes, you have good works planned for me to do (see v.10).  Good works that will not earn my salvation.

Thanks be to God for the incomparable riches of his grace!  Lord, help me to do good works in response to your grace, and not to earn your favor.  This week, help me to rejoice in your grace and to reflect that grace to others.  Amen.