“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9
As I was thinking about today’s passage, it reminded me of one of the fundamental doctrines found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – the principle that we are saved by God’s grace through faith, a very precious gift from Him.
In our tradition, we place significant emphasis on the concept of grace as a gift from Heavenly Father. It’s not a reward we earn through our efforts alone; rather, it is freely extended to us as a manifestation of God’s love for His children. As the Book of Mormon teaches, “For we labour diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” (2 Nephi 25:23)
Heavenly Father’s grace is unmerited and boundless. It flows from His love, offering us the opportunity for repentance, forgiveness, and eternal life. We cannot fully repay Him for this immeasurable gift, but we can humbly accept it with gratitude and devotion.
Faith is a vital aspect of this equation. Our faith in Jesus Christ is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment; it’s an active trust and reliance on Him. We show our faith through our obedience, our commitment to covenants, and our love for our fellow brothers and sisters. It is through our faith in Christ that we access His grace and experience the miracle of conversion.
The doctrine of grace and faith is closely intertwined with the principles of repentance and baptism our tradition. As we repent and make covenants through baptism, we express our faith in Christ’s redemptive power. Our works are not about earning our salvation but rather demonstrating our willingness to come unto Christ and allow Him to transform our hearts. This is not a one time event; rather it is on a daily basis.
As we live our lives in accordance with these principles, we become more Christ-like, filled with His love and grace. We are then empowered to share His message of salvation and serve as instruments of His grace to others.
Our salvation is indeed a gift, bestowed upon us through God’s infinite grace and received by our faith in Jesus Christ. Our works are not to gain salvation but to draw nearer to Him and become His disciples. As we go forth, may we strive to be living examples of His grace, always pointing to the Saviour who extends this gift to all who come unto Him. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
