By Grace...Saved

Ephesians 2:8 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—." We are saved by grace, apart from works, not taking into account our performance, plus nothing - minus nothing, -- grace, period. We can't take credit for it, have nothing to boast about, can't earn it, work to deserve it, -- just receive it. God's great grace gift - salvation. Saved from God's wrath and condemnation, from the penalty and power of sin, from guilt and shame. We have trouble with the concept of grace because it's not fair, it doesn't compute to us. After all, 'nothing's free', we think. We struggle to receive. If someone gives us something, we respond with phrases like, - 'I owe you." - It's my turn next time." - 'I'll pay you back." All we can really say in response to grace is 'Thank You'. Just receive it and enjoy it, God's gift of salvation. No wonder John Newton wrote: "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound; that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found; was blind but now I see." Learn to receive and enjoy grace. Live grateful and give the grace you have received. Grace and Peace.