Balance

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9 NLT

God has always been at work before the beginning of creation, and he is still at work today. Man is his special creation, the one created in his image and the one he longs to have fellowship with. Even when man fell in the garden of Eden, God was still planning how to save man and restore him back to fellowship.

However, the following is key to our understanding of our role and God's responsibility. First, salvation is by grace, after we believe. Sin hinders a man from ever acknowledging his need for God, but God would always reach out to man. Why then would man ever think that what he has is his right/entitlement?

Secondly, my faith and belief in God is fundamental to the process of salvation. The gift has been given; what remains is for me to take hold of the gift and enjoy the benefits.

Thirdly, there is nothing I could do to improve what God has already given. The sacrifice was complete, total and absolute, and is valid for all time, until Jesus returns. For as many as would accept this gift, salvation is freely given to them.

I cannot also boast in something I did not develop or discover. I simply walk into it by faith, so there is no room for pride or self-satisfaction. I stand in the abundance of the grace given me by God, which called me out of darkness into his marvellous light, so I can be a living testimony to the greatness and power of God to save. I have accepted Jesus as Saviour and Lord; what about you? His time of favour is here.