But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus[.] Ephesians 2:4-6
This morning, until I start a new Bible study, I continue using devotionals from John Piper. Today, the post focuses on the "freeness of grace" - meaning that the manner in which God brings about our conversion to faith is through a "one-sidedly free and non-negotiated" conversion from spiritual deadness to life with Christ. Piper remarks at the abruptness of Paul's insertion of how "by grace you have been saved" between v5 and 6 to underscore the depth of God's grace. This grace is emphasized once again - this time more explicitly and less abruptly - in v8 where in one of the more well referenced verses in the New Testament Paul writes:
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God[.] Ephesians 2:8
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your amazing grace - that I was dead in my sin, hostile to You - yet You brought me to life and made me one of Your elect and gave me faith - thank You! I am not deserving of such a blessing - the greatest gift of all time. Yet I am not deserving - I sin...daily, including worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
