We are continuing our search of Ephesians chapters one and two, to discover a list of benefits that are applied to our lives when we receive the gift of salvation. This is a long list, and each of the qualities make a difference for us in this earthy existence and are meant to prepare us for our eternity in God’s presence.
In verse two of the first chapter of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Church at Ephesus, he clearly states that one of the gifts we receive through salvation is grace from God. There are two practical definitions of God’s grace that are helpful for our understanding of what God provides. Grace is receiving something we could not have gained on our own and don’t deserve. It has also been defined through an acronym, God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense! We have indescribable benefit at absolutely no cost.
We have an incredible picture of this grace recorded in James 4:4-10, You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Verses 4 and 5 outline our condition before God’s grace is applied. Our lives projected that we hated God. Those are strong words, but that is the result of sin. It goes on to say we are an enemy of God. However, that situation is reversed when we allow God’s grace to permeate our lives through our redemption. Under the protective umbrella of God’s grace, we have the power and authority to defeat the attacks of Satan in our lives. God’s grace provides the eternal hope that wipes away our sorrow.
In other passages, the context of grace is defined as being highly favored. This describes God’s opinion of us. How do I reach the status of being highly favored by the perfect creator of the universe? I simply allow the blood of Jesus to wipe away those things that stand between God and me. Again, this is the miracle of salvation.
One who possesses grace is declared to be beautiful. He is one to whom it is easy for others to act kindly and lovingly toward. This is a double blessing. God is the provider of grace in our lives. But once we receive that grace, we become easier for him to show kindness to. God gives us this gift of grace at salvation, and it is this grace that inspires him to pour out more spiritual assets into our lives. And through it all, we do nothing to prompt this response except grab hold of the offer of salvation. God loves to make us the winner.