You are saved by grace, not by works
You are saved by grace, not by works
"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves, the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
One of the central truths of Christianity is this: we are saved by the grace of God alone, not by our works. If we truly understand this, such a truth not only brings joy and freedom, but also reveals to us the infinite goodness and mercy of God.
We could do nothing to earn salvation. It is given to us freely because we are unable to fulfill the law. Every person is not only born a sinner, but also commits many sins daily. In spite of this, God, in His mercy, has decided to pay for our sins, to wash us clean and no longer impute guilt to us. He no longer sees us as guilty, but as justified before Himself.
The realization of this shakes me to the core. When I realize that God has justified me, the most sinful sinner, my heart fills with love for Him. I do not want to do good to earn salvation, but out of gratitude for the fact that He has already saved me. No amount of my good works can repay God for this gift, but I seek to glorify Him with my life.