We all love that feeling of accomplishment. Knowing we’ve put in some hard work and can see the good results. It’s true whether it’s a big win or just a job well done. Feeling good about our achievements (and even a little pat on our own back) is totally fine in many parts of life. But, when it comes to our salvation, the Bible makes it crystal clear. There’s absolutely nothing we contribute that gives us any room for our boasting.
The Latin phrase “Sola Gratia” (Grace Alone) often captures this core truth. It means our salvation is entirely a gift of God’s amazing grace. It’s certainly not a reward for anything we’ve done.
“For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9
Rescued
Consider, for a moment, the catastrophe that happened on the night of April 14, 1912. The ocean liner Titanic was deemed “the unsinkable ship.” However, it scraped against an iceberg on its maiden voyage. Within three hours, she sank into the icy depths of the North Atlantic. She took over 1,500 souls with her. Yet, amidst the tragic loss, a little over 700 people got into lifeboats. The steamship Carpathia eventually picked them up after hours adrift on the icy waters. She had raced through the night to rescue them.
Now, think about the posture and attitude of those saved. Someone rescued every single one of them. It wasn’t by their strength. On the contrary, it was because another came to their aid and retrieved them from the water. They didn’t contribute a single thing to their salvation at that moment. Instead, they were totally dependent on another’s rescue.
A Gift From Jesus
Imagine this with me. Someone is lifted out of the ocean (onto the safety of the Carpathia). Shivering, they shout, “YES! I told you I could do it!” Or imagine a survivor boasting later in an interview, “You know, I guess I just tried a little harder to stay alive than everyone else who died that night.” That would be absolutely ridiculous! It would be an insult to all who died. Additionally, a foolish misunderstanding of themselves and a grave offense to those who rushed in to save them. The reality is that not one rescued person could boast in any of their own efforts. They were just as doomed as everyone else in that icy water. Yet someone rescued them!
I think this illustration helps us grasp the profound truth of our salvation through Jesus. Just as no one could have saved themself from that sinking ship, no one can save themself from the drowning grip of sin and death. Our rescue is entirely the work of Jesus. It’s a free gift of grace. And because it’s all His doing, there is absolutely no room for any of us to boast.
Transformed
Living a life of “Sola Gratia” (Grace Alone) means we don’t live like someone who believes they have achieved something great. Instead, we live like those rescued by Someone great! May all our lives be a living testament to His grace. Let them echo the words of the hymn: “How Deep The Father’s Love For Us”:
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom,
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
So, too, let’s all consider this today: “Does my life demonstrate a sense of pride or a life transformed by God’s amazing grace?”
In Christ,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor