"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:8-10 MSG
Often when I read in different translations, something will pop out and speak to me in a fresh way. I noticed in these very familiar verses that it says salvation is not a reward for DOING 'good things' but that we are to DO 'good things'! So which is it?!?! Do we do 'good things' or not? Of course we do! But the good things we do will come AFTER salvation and OUT of the new life of Christ created in us - not to get salvation and not to prove that we are 'good' Christians. These 'good things' won't be 'self' motivated either but will be Holy Spirit directed since it was God who planned them for us to do long ago.
Father God, thank You that I don't have to think up 'good things' to do. I pray that I will be open to the Holy Spirit's nudging to do those 'good things' that You planned long ago for me to do to Your glory. Amen
Often when I read in different translations, something will pop out and speak to me in a fresh way. I noticed in these very familiar verses that it says salvation is not a reward for DOING 'good things' but that we are to DO 'good things'! So which is it?!?! Do we do 'good things' or not? Of course we do! But the good things we do will come AFTER salvation and OUT of the new life of Christ created in us - not to get salvation and not to prove that we are 'good' Christians. These 'good things' won't be 'self' motivated either but will be Holy Spirit directed since it was God who planned them for us to do long ago.
Father God, thank You that I don't have to think up 'good things' to do. I pray that I will be open to the Holy Spirit's nudging to do those 'good things' that You planned long ago for me to do to Your glory. Amen
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