Why God Saved Us

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All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 

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 2:3–9

Ephesians 2:3–9 is one of the most loved and familiar passages in the New Testament. For those of us who grew up in the church, it’s likely one of the first verses we memorized: “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.”

A powerful truth, isn’t it? And let me be clear, this is important. According to God’s Word, it is impossible to be good enough to get into heaven. There is only one path to a relationship with God and eternity with Him in heaven: we must accept His grace and forgiveness by placing our faith in Jesus Christ, His death, and His resurrection.

But as incredible as this truth is about God offering us forgiveness as a free gift, there’s one phrase in this passage that we often overlook. The magnitude of this promise—and perhaps the familiarity of the passage—can sometimes cause us to overlook it.

Look at what Paul says in verse 7. He tells us why God saved us and seated us in the heavenly realms. It is for this reason:

“In order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”

God saved us so that He could put on display the riches of His grace! God didn’t save us just so we could go to heaven. God saved us so that His love and kindness would be known in the world.

God didn’t save us just for our benefit, though we are forever grateful for His grace. He saved us so that others could see His mercy and kindness through us. Which means we have an important role to play.

Because if that is God’s purpose in our salvation, how does it happen? How will the world see the incomparable riches of God’s grace?

The answer is clear: It will happen only when those of us who have experienced His grace share it and talk about it. When we share our stories of His forgiveness, mercy, and kindness, we become living displays of His love and help fulfill His purpose in saving us.

How will the world know about the riches of God’s grace unless those of us who have experienced them are talking about them? Of course, this is not just a responsibility; it is a privilege.

The Loving God of the Universe wants to make His appeal through you. You were chosen, by Him, to be the very vessel through which his kindness is displayed and expressed. Let’s live up to the reason we were saved.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me through Your grace. Help me to share Your kindness and love with the world so others may know You. Help me do that today. Amen.