Verse: Ephesians 2:8-9
Context: Ephesians 2:1-10
"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."
Throughout his ministry, Jesus illuminated the sin beneath the sin, the degenerated condition that we all inherited from Adam. He did not stop at preaching against murder or adultery but highlighted the underlying anger and lust that motivates outward manifestations of sin. He was not satisfied with people doing good works for the approval of others as the Pharisees. Rather he commanded his followers to do good works out of love, not seeking recognition. (Matthew 5-7)
In America in 2012, many people think that being a good Christian means being moral, obeying laws. Some believe in eternity and hope that doing occasional good works will balance against their mistakes. Others hope that doing good produces good karma. Some believe there is no eternal consequence and therefore see no benefit of being moral unless their own cost benefit analysis tips in favor of morality. Others may do good to soothe their conscience. None of these ideas are taught by Christ or elsewhere in the Bible.
Jesus used the Old Testament law to highlight the degenerate nature of our heart below the surface. This deep-rooted condition cannot be patched with a band-aid of occasional gifts to charity, volunteerism, activism, being moral, or any other 'good work.' Only repentance and trust in Christ can begin to heal our hearts and provide us a new life. This new life will then, and only after repentance, be evidenced in our lives by a desire to love God, love others, and obey God (I John).
A great example was given by my pastor today. One need to look no further than the list of pop stars who support human rights causes; the example I provide is Amnesty International. These musicians support a human rights organization while singing songs that promote destroying relationships and using people as an object to satisfy their own desires. How is supporting human rights compatible with stealing someone's dignity?
These are incongruous. Secular philosophy can provide at best a patchwork of good works to cover the deep-rooted original sin that resides in all of our hearts from birth.
Only God's grace through faith can renew our hearts and provide the power to live for him. We cannot muster this faith on our own, but God tells us to ask, seek, and knock on his door to find the gift of life.
If you are a seeker or sceptic, pray for him today to show you your sin, to turn from that sin, and accept his offer of grace and redemption through Christ's sacrifice on the cross. You will then begin to live life with a purpose greater than yourself.
If you are a believer, know that you have a great gift that is intended by God for you to share with others, a light to be shown not smothered.
