The Lord … be gracious to you.  Numbers 6:25

There is perhaps no more beautiful passage about the grace of God than found in Ephesians 2:1-10.  Paul tells us that before salvation, we were dead in transgressions and sins (vs 1), slaves to sin (vs 2), children of Satan (vs 2) and the full fury of God’s wrath rested upon us (vs 3).  Because we were born in a sinful condition and completely spiritually dead, God’s justice was certain to one day envelope us and permanently separate us from His presence.

But this is where God chose to be gracious to us.  Seeing our helpless condition and moved by His great love and mercy, Jesus came to extend to us the offer of life.  (vs 4-5) By our faith in Christ’s sacrifice, He breathes Himself into our dead souls and brings forth a glorious resurrection.  It is His graciousness that motivated Him to give us the chance to live!  The good news is that no matter where you have been, how long you have been there or what you have done, by His grace you can be saved.

Not by Works.  Not by effort.  Not by promises.  Not by oaths nor pledges.

Grace Alone.

Strife to peace. Sinful to pure.  Death to life.

The Lord be gracious to you… In Christ, He has.

Amen.