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Grace

             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. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

          For some people, this may be the most horrific verse in Scripture. In fact, it’s probably a nightmare idea for most people in the world. And it is for that reason that I believe it to be from God, and not from man. Man wants to sing with Frank Sinatra, “I Did It My Way.” Salvation, or even success, is based on what we have done. At least, it is for us. There are other poor souls for whom the only chance for success is our responsibility.

          This passage suggests that, ultimately, salvation is success. Any other success is temporary and crippled. The passage states clearly that we can not achieve salvation. It can only be gained as a gift. But that grates our egos and burns it in a fire from which it can only emerge as ash.

          Were it not for our fallen egos, we might make an obvious connection more often. Imagine a newborn being required to earn his next meal or a diaper change. The parents would be convicted of child abuse if someone intervened, or murder if no one did. Even if the child were older and walking, the parent would be similarly charged for allowing a toddler to wander the streets. We understand this. Children can’t earn the right to our love and protection. It is a gift we can and should give them.

          At the same time, at some point, if the child commits crimes or risks his life, while we may care deeply, there’s little we can do, unless they come to us seeking help (salvation.) And their coming and even cooperating with us doesn’t earn the help we give. Our help may be contingent upon their coming and cooperating, but they don’t earn it. We may reward them for good behavior, to encourage the good behavior, but the purpose isn’t really to pay them what’s due them.

          In other words, once again, what God does is not completely alien to us. We just need to take the time to understand it.

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