Sola gratia. Grace alone. 

Centuries ago, Martin Luther and the Reformation addressed issues within the Catholic church, attempting to center believers upon Christ instead of an institution. Among the doctrines they espoused, they taught Christians were saved by grace alone. The reformers pointed to the following verse, among others:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

People often confuse mercy and grace. Both encompass unmerited favor. However, mercy is God’s favor in not giving us the punishment we deserve. Grace is God’s favor in giving us the power to live with him. Both are gifts, neither deserved. 

The next sentence in Ephesians, verse 2:10, further explains this: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Our works didn’t save us. God’s work did. The gift of grace results in our doing good works initiated by God. In order to walk with him, we require mercy (forgiveness of sin, removal of punishment) and grace (the power to do the works God has prepared for us). 

How do we access this grace? Here are 7 ways to unlock the power of saving grace.

Photo Credit: 7 Ways to Unlock the Power of Saving Grace