Saved to Do Good Deeds

February 24, 2025

Salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus.

We begin with a heart full of gratitude for the unwavering promises of God and the gift of the Holy Spirit, guiding us on our spiritual journey. In this meditation, we'll delve deep into the profound connection between heaven and earth, focusing on the ladder of hope revealed to Jacob and its transformative significance for us today. We'll explore how this dream speaks not only to Jacob's personal journey but also to the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan for all humanity.

Saved by Grace, Empowered to Act

Ephesians 2:8-9 provides a foundational truth of the Christian faith: our salvation is a gift, freely given by God, not a reward for our good deeds. We cannot boast about our salvation, as if we achieved it through our own merit. It is solely through God's grace, extended to us through faith in Jesus Christ, that we receive this incredible gift. This understanding frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and allows us to rest in His love and acceptance.

"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

However, this undeserved gift of salvation does not lead to passivity. Instead, it empowers us to live a life of purpose and meaning, marked by good works that flow from our transformed hearts. The key distinction is this:

"we are saved by grace, not by good deeds, but we are saved to do good deeds"

This transformation is not merely external; it is a deep, internal change that affects every aspect of our being.

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:10

God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives, and through salvation, we are equipped and empowered to fulfill that plan.

From Gentiles to Israel: A New Identity in Christ

Just as Jacob's name was changed to Israel, signifying a new identity and a divine purpose, so too are we transformed through our faith in Christ. Ephesians 2:11-13 speaks specifically to the Gentiles, those who were once outside of God's covenant promises. Before Christ, we were separated, alienated, strangers to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world. We were living in spiritual darkness, cut off from the source of life and truth.

"Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcised” (which refers to circumcision made in the body by hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ." - Ephesians 2:11-13

But now, through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, the dividing wall has been broken down. We are no longer strangers or foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household. We have been brought near by the blood of Christ, cleansed from our sins and reconciled to God. This is not just a change in status; it's a complete transformation of our identity. We are now part of God's chosen people, heirs to His promises, and filled with the hope of eternal life.

The Prince of Peace: Activating Our Inheritance

Christ's sacrifice on the cross did more than just offer forgiveness for our sins; it brought peace between us and God, and peace between people. He is our peace. He has reconciled us to God and to one another, breaking down the walls of hostility and division. This peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is the presence of wholeness, harmony, and right relationship with God and others.

"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility." - Ephesians 2:14-16

This peace is our inheritance in Christ, but it's not something that automatically manifests in our lives. We must actively declare it, cultivate it, and choose to live in its reality. We must actively resist the forces of division and hatred, choosing instead to walk in love and unity. Just as Jacob began to walk in the reality of his dream, we too must activate the peace that Jesus has given us. This involves renewing our minds with the truth of God's Word, choosing to forgive those who have hurt us, and actively pursuing reconciliation in our relationships. The angels ascending and descending in Jacob's dream represent the constant ministry of God in our lives, working to bring about His purposes and establish His peace in our hearts and in the world around us. We have a divine connection, a divine peace, and divine things happening around us, even when we don't see them.

Conclusion

Just as Jacob received a vision of hope and connection, we too can access the same through faith in Jesus. We are no longer separated but brought near, filled with hope and empowered to live out God's purpose for our lives.

Reflect on This:

• How can you actively cultivate awareness of your connection with God in daily life?

• How does understanding salvation as a gift empower you to live differently?

  
  

Prayer:

Father, I thank you for the gift of salvation and the divine connection I have with you through Jesus. I declare that I am filled with your peace, hope, and the power of your promises. I walk in the assurance of your constant presence and ministry in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Key Takeaways:

• Salvation is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus.

• We are saved by grace, not good deeds, but saved to do good deeds.

• Through Christ, we are no longer separated but brought near to God.

• We have a divine connection, peace, and hope through Jesus.

• We must actively declare and live in the reality of this peace and hope.

  
  

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To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.