Work because of Grace

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. 
Ephesians 2:8-10 (HCSB)

In our Human thinking we sometimes will debate Grace - vs - Works.  There really is no debate when we see what Paul writes here to the Ephesians.  He is clear we are saved by grace.  Salvation is a gift from God.  All the boasting for salvation goes to God.  He is the one who has done the work for salvation.

But also notice we are His creation.  He is created us for works.  In fact in God's wisdom and plan He has prepared, ahead of time, what He would have us do.  There are some general things, like holiness, righteousness and becoming more like Jesus, that are common to us all.  But there are also some specific things that God has created you and recreated you to be as a New creation for Jesus.  God has a very specific plan for you personally.

So the reality is for the Christ follower we are saved by Grace and God has work for us to do.  In fact the evidence of our salvation is in our works. (See James)  The question for us as Christ followers is will we be found living out His grace in our works?

Knowing and Obeying

In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works.

James 2:17-18 (HCSB)

James tells us that our faith is really demonstrated not in knowing (faith) but in obeying (works).  To many who claim to be Christ followers talk about know Christ but don't demonstrate their faith by the actions.  We are to be people of action.  We can not continue to claim that we know Christ and have faith and then refuse to obey Him.  Evaluate yourself are you merely knowing or are you obeying.  There really is a difference.

Gripe or Grapple?

So I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned down. Come, let’s rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” 18 I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me, and what the king had said to me.They said, “Let’s start rebuilding,” and they were encouraged to [do] this good work.

Neh 2:17-18 (HCSB)

When you are faced with a challenge do you gripe or do you grapple? Nehemiah could have griped, complained or belly ached. But he didn't! He stated the fact, "we are in trouble here" and then decided to follow God in doing something about it.

When facing difficult situations we always have a choice. We can gripe or we can grapple with the problem and solve it. Now we are not talking about finding our own solution, but seeking God's plan and going to work.

Christ follower, are you griping or grappling?

A Masterpiece

For we are His creation—created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.

Eph 2:10 (HCSB)

How valuable do you feel? To God you are a valuable treasure. In fact as the Apostle Paul explains in this verse you are His creation. Literally that mean masterpiece. You are His masterpiece a hand made treasure of God. It is the idea of a master craftsman making a personal treasure to display for all of eternity. We are saved by Grace. It is a gift. We can't earn it. But notice he tells us we are created for good works that God prepared ahead of time for us to do. We work not to be saved but because we have been saved. So enjoy your special place as His masterpiece on display for His glory for all eternity!