Sola gratia (by grace alone)

READ: Jeremiah 49,50; Psalms 119:89-176; 2 Timothy 1

SCRIPTURE: 2 Timothy 1: 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.

OBSERVATION: The concept of salvation is a common theme in all religions. Most religions, even atheistic Buddhism, teach that a person will attain salvation at the end of his/her physical/spiritual life or afterlife, based on his works/karma. The understanding of salvation varies from religion to religion. The Christian view of salvation is different from all other religions. Our spiritual journey begins with the experience of salvation while we are still alive. The bible teaches us that our salvation is the gift of God. We are saved by God’s grace, not based on our merits or any works. In Eph.2:4-5, Paul says, “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.” Our salvation is a living experience with Christ.

It is God who first found us and saved us. In obedience to his loving call, we start to experience his salvation in our daily life. God has called us to a holy life. After we receive our salvation, our life will/should not be the same. God has the purpose in his call. He wants us “to be holy” and calls us “to live a holy life” (Eph.1:4; 1 Thes.4:7). God always chooses weak people and makes them strong in Christ to be holy for him. It is the grace of God. St. Augustine says, “The grace of God does not find men fit for salvation, but makes them so.” Titus 3:5 says, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” We think we received God’s grace when we first became Christian. But God made it available for us even “before the creation of the world” (Eph.1:4, 1 Pet.1:20). God’s knowledge is beyond our understanding. God’s love for us is the only explanation we can attribute to God’s saving acts. We do not become Christians by chance or coincidently. We are God’s chosen people. He has a purpose in giving us his grace. Living a holy life is his purpose. It is our privileged responsibility to live for Christ. It is not an option to choose, but we are chosen to live it. God’s grace gives us the strength to live for him.

APPLICATION: I love God because he first loved me (1 Jn.4:19). He found me when there was no hope for me. God has called me and chosen me to a holy life. The one who called me is faithful. I must be faithful to God to fulfill his purposes in my life.

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for your grace that saved me. Jesus, thank you for your love that found and saved me. Holy Spirit, help me to live holy for the Lord. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573

Day - 302