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For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8, ESV).
The Greek word for “grace” is “charis,” meaning “benefit” or “favor.” In Christianity, we receive God’s grace as a gift; we do not earn it. Let’s add Ephesians 2:9 to Ephesians 2:8 listed above…
Not a result of works, so that no one may boast!
The difference between all the religions of the world (works) and Christianity (grace) is not necessarily grace or the goodwill of God, as all religions teach that we can appease God with good works; rather, through Jesus, grace is freely given. We don’t have to earn it, worry if we are good enough, or wait until heaven to see if we get past the Pearly Gates.
We know we have God’s grace because it’s a gift freely given.
In the 5th century, two giant theologians had a doctrinal boxing match — like Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran, only their names were Augustine vs. Pelagius. Augustine taught solo gratia (only grace) while Pelagius taught self-reliance or that humans could choose to be righteous by their own efforts.
In the boxing match between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran, Duran walked to his corner in the middle of the eighth round, saying, “No mas” or “No more.” Fortunately, theologians agreed with Augustine, saying “No more” to the works-based theology of the Pelagian heresy.
A historical knock-out blow to self-reliance for holiness.
Knowing my need for grace, every time that I need to change or improve, I ask God for His grace; I don’t assume that by mere will-power I become more holy. I’ve asked for a love of reading the Bible, for overcoming dismal thoughts, freedom from the blackness of despair, better, more encouraging conversations, and many other things — I’m an over-consumer of God’s grace.
In Interruptions, I consistently write that all good things begin with asking, as Jesus taught: “Ask and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7). Unfortunately, the Pelagian heresy of self-reliance runs deep in our flesh. With all the cultural self-help reels, YouTube® health gurus, and “take this herbal mixture for health,” our mode of change trends towards works, not grace.
Consider this seemingly contradictory verse…
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me (1 Corinthians 15:10).
Okay, Paul, is it “I worked harder than any of them” or “It was not I, but the grace of God that is with me”? Not really a contradiction but a paradox. Here’s how it works with me…
- I ask specifically what I need. Asking gives credit to God — we asked, and He answered — no room for pride.
- I plan. Grace doesn’t eliminate work, but I’ve found that relying on God’s grace gives me the desire to accomplish the plan and lightens my burden.
- I celebrate! Praise keeps my focus on God and His power, preventing me from reverting to old habits that thrive on too much self-confidence.
Blessings!