“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

Oh, what a beautiful verse! It’s music to our ears and a soothing sensation to the heart. Right?

WRONG!

Sorry to break this news to you, but many do not understand the true meaning of being saved by grace. They assume that this verse gives them the green light to carry the title of ‘Christian’ whilst doing all the wrong that they please, “because God’s grace makes everything okay!” 

Here’s what this verse really means:

“For by grace you have been saved”. When you recognize that you are a sinner and are living in a way that does not please God, but decide that you will turn your life around, and you seek Him in order to do so, God is gracious enough to forgive you and give you that new start.

“…saved through faith” Being saved and staying saved are two totally different things. You were saved because of God’s grace and mercy, however, in order to maintain your salvation, faith is required. It’s a small five-letter word, but faith is what will keep you sacrificing in order to stay saved. It will enable you to sacrifice your own will, your desires and your flesh.

“…it is the gift of God.” How would you feel if every time you gave a gift to somebody, they threw it back in your face or despised it? Would you want to keep on giving to that person? If it is hurtful for us imagine how God feels when we play around with the salvation that He has gifted us with?

The gospel of Grace is a lie created by Satan to deceive you! God’s grace comes through faith and sacrifice, not by doing as you please. If you recognize that you have fallen into this trap, of carrying the title of Christian, but living in a way that doesn’t please God, then it’s time to change. Turn to God, allow Him to change you and truly save you, then you can read the above verse again and He will give you a new understanding about it.

May the God of the Bible bless you.

Bishop Joshua Fonseca