Enjoying my trek through Ephesians. Another Bible verse:

"Because of His kindness you have been saved through trusting Christ.
And even trusting is not of yourselves;
it too is a gift from God.
Salvation is not a reward for the good we have done,
so none of us can take any credit for it."

~ Ephesians 2:8, 9 LAB

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Bible Commentary:  "When someone gives you a gift, do you say, 'That's very nice---now how much do I owe you?'  No, the appropriate response to a gift is 'Thank you.'. Yet how often Christians, even after they have been given the gift of salvation, feel obligated to try to work their way to God. Because our salvation and even our faith are gifts, we should respond with gratitude, praise, and joyfulness.

"We become Christians through God/s unmerited gift to us (grace), not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service to others on our part. However, out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, charity, and goodness, and not merely please ourselves. While no action or 'work' we do can help us obtain salvation. God's intention is that our salvation will result in works of service. We are not saved merely for our own benefit but for His---to glorify Him and build up the church.."

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