Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine

“At stake is our eternal destination, yet we are more confident about lasagna recipes than the entrance requirements for heaven. 

 

God has a better idea: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8). We contribute nothing. Zilch. As opposed to the merit badge of the Scout, salvation of the soul is unearned. 

 

A gift. Our merits merit nothing. 

 

God’s work merits everything. 

 

This was Paul’s message to the grace-a-lots. I picture his face red, fists clenched, and blood vessels bulging a river on his neck. “Christ redeemed us from that self-defeating, cursed life by absorbing it completely into himself” (Gal. 3:13 MSG). Translation: “Say no to the pyramids and bricks. Say no to the rules and lists. Say no to slavery and performance…” 

 

Max Lucado