God’s Gift of Grace

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

God’s gift of grace was not something I learned early in life. The church where I grew up emphasized the works one did more than God’s amazing gift. The pastor had no assurance of his own salvation, and Sunday School teachers invited representatives from other religions to discuss their beliefs.

In Need of Grace

We had an active youth group, and I loved the opportunities it offered, not only for friendships but also to do works of service for others, although the teaching was no better. I was hungry for God, and He graciously kept me from falling for the false teaching of other religions while giving me a deep desire to know Him better.

There came a point in my teen years when I was desperate for a touch from God. I prayed for help, but my prayers bounced off the walls without bringing comfort or hope. In my heart, I knew that God was the answer. I remembered how my grandmother started every morning with prayer, and therefore, believed I was on the right path.

The Fruit of Truth

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Around that time, my friends heard about Young Life meetings for Christian high school students in our area, and asked me to attend. They sang upbeat songs about Jesus, and I sensed something different was happening. The leader was a young man, not much older than the seniors, but he talked about Jesus as if they were personally acquainted. I hung on his every word.

One night, when I was down and alone, I sat on my bed in the dark, crying. The Young Life leader prayed with such hope and certainty. I hadn’t been courageous enough to respond when he asked those who wanted Jesus as their savior to come forward, but I began to pray in words I had heard him use. I told Jesus all of my hurts and needs, and asked Him to come into my life and help me.

Hearing the truth, as laid forth in the Bible, gave me the courage to leave the false teaching that I had to pay for my own sin behind, and trust in Jesus alone for my salvation.

God’s Gift of Grace to Me

And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32

At that moment, I felt as if Jesus was in my dark room. His grace and love filled me with the certainty that He had entered my heart and life to stay. I thanked Him for His forgiveness and the gift of salvation, and His promise of heaven. And I knew it was real.

I began to read the Bible, devouring chapter after chapter, and He was helping me to understand. I was forgiven, cleansed, and made whole. My circumstances didn’t change, but my response to them did. God gave me the ability to forgive the one who hurt me, and trusted Him to provide for my needs in His time and way.

I was freed from the constant need to accumulate good works so that I might be good enough to go to heaven. What joy and freedom come with the understanding that salvation is God’s gift of grace to me. Good works are my way of expressing gratitude for that gift.

The Truth Set Me Free

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16

After graduating from high school, friends invited me to Campus Crusade for Christ meetings on our university campus. They taught me to understand the Bible, to share the freedom found in Jesus Christ with others, and to apply what I learned to my own life. Over time, the rest of my family came to know Jesus and moved to another church, where I gained a deeper understanding of God’s gift of grace.

It has been my privilege over the years to lead many women in Bible study. I have never lost the joy of helping others to experience the joy and peace that Jesus has blessed me with. Not long ago, I was blessed to help a woman who grew up in the same church begin to understand the gospel of grace.

God’s Gift of Grace is Yours

Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2

Perhaps, like me, you have heard teaching that weighed you down with burdens too heavy to bear, never hearing the truth that salvation is the free gift of God to those who call on His name. We can never earn our way to heaven. It’s a burden we were never meant to bear. When Jesus hung on the Cross, the sins of every person who would ever live, past, present, and future, were laid on His shoulders. His death paid the penalty for the sin of all mankind.

1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Accept His gift of forgiveness and new life, and you will receive the assurance of a salvation that you can never lose. There will be no more doubt about where you will spend eternity.

God’s Abundant Gift of New Life

For if, because of one man’s trespass (sin), death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17

When you accept God’s gift of grace, the joy of Jesus will flood your life because with salvation comes abundant life. John 10:10 says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Your circumstances may not change, though He is certainly capable of that. However, He will give you the ability to see your problems through His eyes and see His solutions, as well.

Prayer is simply talking to God, just as you would to a friend. He will become your best friend. Just as we talk to Him in prayer, God talks to us through His Word, the Bible. Ask for His help and wisdom to gain a deeper understanding. Then, find a church that teaches the entire Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, as absolute truth.

Life will become better and better as you walk with Jesus. It’s the truth!