Salvation: God's Gift and Our Response

By: Kathie Welch

Friday, July 11, 2025

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

From the time I understood salvation and received Jesus as my personal Savior, these verses have been some of my favorite scriptures. I was raised with the belief that Jesus’ death and resurrection made a way for me to be saved, but it was up to me to earn it. That led to many years of frustration and failure as I tried to be "good enough" to merit eternal life. Eventually, I realized this was something I couldn't do, and being "good enough" was impossible! These two verses showed me that my salvation was a gift from God! His work earned it, not mine, so I gratefully received His free gift. Knowing God has already done what we could never do on our own changes our motivation. Instead of obedience out of obligation (rules and rituals), we obey God willingly out of gratitude for His work on the cross.

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

There is more to salvation than entering heaven, so how should we respond to this free gift of salvation? Works can't save us, but the very next verse from Ephesians says God expects us to do the good works He has prepared for us. Working for God (serving Him) is outward evidence of the work Christ has done in our hearts. Working for God is a continuation of the work Jesus is doing in us. There is nothing more we can add to our salvation! At our moment of salvation, we were set free and empowered to do the kingdom work God prepared for us.

There are some important things for us to know as we live out our salvation:

1. Know who God is.

This may seem basic, but we must learn about, believe in, and completely trust God in every area of our lives.

1. Know who the Holy Spirit is.

Before He left earth, Jesus promised to send us a helper, God's Holy Spirit. He is our guide, helper, and friend.

1. Know who we are in Christ.

We are God's children, and He is training, strengthening, and empowering us for His purposes.

1. Spend time in His Word.

Make sure to spend some uninterrupted quiet time with God. Talk to Him. Pray to Him. And don't forget to praise Him!

Christ follower, let these things be your response to God's gift of salvation. Your Heavenly Father will be well pleased!