Grace or Works

Ephesians 2:8-10

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Faith is the key to many things.  Having faith in Jesus Christ ensures us a place in eternity with him.  It's by his GRACE that we are saved!  Grace is a GIFT given to us by God the Father.  There is nothing that we can do, no amount of money can buy GRACE, it is not for sale.  Some people may think they can live good enough to have it, but they can't get it that way either.  There is only ONE WAY to have the GRACE that JESUS CHRIST is giving away and that is to accept him as Lord.  Confess him with your mouth, Believe on him in your heart and ye shall be saved and his GRACE will be yours, given to you FREELY.  It is impossible to earn this GRACE.  God had a purpose for making it FREE..he KNOWS the heart of MAN and he knew if it were possible to earn GRACE that eventually mankind would boast and brag and take GOD'S GLORY and put it upon himself.  The potter knows that thing that he creates and we are God's workmanship.  He created us and knows all about us.  When we come to accept Jesus Christ he expects us to do good works.  Just because good works doesn't save us does not mean we shouldn't have to do them.  Just like any good job, there are benefits to doing it RIGHT!  You do a good job for your boss and you may get a bonus on that paycheck.  You do good works for the Lord and your reward is waiting for you in heaven!!  

Scripture tells us not to lay our treasures up on this earth where moth and rust doth corrupt, but rather to lay them up in heaven.  How do we do that you might ask.  This is where WORKS come into play.  With every good work you do on this earth you are adding a jewel to your crown in heaven, or you may be adding a room to that mansion he is building for you.  So whether you live in a little cabin by the river or a mansion on this hill is up to you.  I will be thankful just to make it, but I want to strive to have it all.