Week Five– Rev. Keith Howard
Core Belief:
Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not by good works.
Scripture:
“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
Devotional Thought:
We live in a world where value is often tied to performance. We work hard to earn promotions, recognition, or success. But God’s Kingdom operates differently. Salvation cannot be earned through good deeds, religious rituals, or personal effort. It is entirely a gift, purchased by Jesus’ death and resurrection, offered freely to all who believe.
This truth removes pride from the equation. None of us can boast in our own ability to reach God. Instead, we humbly receive His grace by trusting in Jesus Christ. Our works don’t save us; they flow out of salvation as a grateful response to what God has already done.
Grace changes everything—it gives hope to the broken, rest to the weary, and assurance to the believer.
Reflection Questions:
- Do you ever find yourself trying to “earn” God’s approval through your works?
- How does knowing that salvation is a free gift give you peace and confidence in your walk with Christ?
- In what ways can your good works now be an expression of gratitude rather than a means of earning salvation?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to rest in Your grace, trusting that I am saved by faith alone. May my life reflect gratitude for this gift, and may my good works bring glory to You, not myself. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
