The Pastor’s Perspective
In Sunday School the adult class has been talking about the importance of grace and good deeds. The question is: Which one is God most interested in? The answer is: Both! Here are a few words from the Apostle Paul about grace:
“For it is by God’s grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God’s gift, so that no one can boast about it.” -- Ephesians 2:8-9
Paul knew what he was talking about when it came to religious boasting. He was confident that he was heaven-bound because he always believed and did all of the right things. The problem comes in when you’re counting on such activities to win God’s approval. There are only two things wrong with that assumption. First: Pious efforts don’t win God’s approval. Second: You don’t need to win God’s approval. He loves you already!
The last word on this subject goes to the Apostle Paul:
“God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
Pastor Art
