Sept. 17, 2021

Read: Ephesians 1

“To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Eph. 1:6 

The glorious grace of God is a free gift (Eph 2:8) in the sense that we cannot earn it. On the other hand, there is a sense in which it is costly, for it requires obedience to Christ and submission to His work in our lives. It is costly to accept the invitation of Christ to follow Him. It is costly to leave the fishing nets behind and take up the nets of discipleship to Christ wherein we will catch men. It is also costly because it cost Christ His life to secure it for us, and it costs us our lives in surrender to its claim on us.  

Grace is costly because of what it teaches us (Titus 2:11-12). It teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Grace also teaches us that this is possible for all men, because through grace we become God’s workmanship (Eph 2:10). 

God’s plan in saving us through faith in Christ’s redemptive work should cause in us an overwhelming expression of heartfelt thanksgiving. But this is not the only reason God saves man. In Christ, God obtains children to the praise of the glory of His grace. 

 We gain a real sense of purpose in contributing to the glory of God. We can be to the praise of His glory. Our response to His kindness in grace can strengthen the praise of the glory of God. He does not need our contribution to His glory. He is glorious without us. But the fact that He includes us should bring us to a commitment to Him and a heartfelt praise. We can glorify that grace through incessant praise. This praise will excite others to the same. 

Let’s live to the praise of the glory of grace. Make a habit of praying that God will use our lives in some way to cause men to be attracted to this glorious grace. 

~James Baer