Grace Alone

Ephesians 2:1-10

Why should I (Lord) let you into heaven?

1. We were once spiritually dead (v.1-3)
   • The human condition: dead in our sins
   • Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19)
2. Saved by Grace Alone (v.4-9)
   • GRACE - “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.”
   • Why is grace offensive?
3. Our response to God’s grace (v.10-12)
   • Back in the 1500s, the Church had corrupted the meaning of works teaching that:
     • Faith + works = being right with God (justification).
     But by looking at the Bible, the Reformers like Luther amended the formula to:
     • Faith + Grace = being right with God (justification) + works.
   • James 2:24, 26 – Show me your works.

Conclusion

• “Christianity is not about morality in pursuit of divine reward, but about gratitude in response to God’s grace.”

Question to ponder during the week: Why is grace so hard to understand and learn?