DAY 49: EPHESIANS

“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)

Dear Christian,

Salvation does not come because you are wiser, kinder, or better than the people around you.

It is only because we have a good and gracious God that we are saved at all. This is good news. Do not miss it! Our salvation no longer rests on how we perform, how we serve, how we love, or how much we tithe. We have nothing to prove. Because of Christ’s obedience, God sees us and sees Christ’s righteousness given to us.

Christianity is not a list of to-dos. Christianity rests on the finished work of Christ.

When this truth sinks in, Christianity then becomes a wonder and a joy. What was impossible, became possible. What was broken, hurt, and destroyed, is now redeemed, healed, and restored. As Tim Keller likes to say, “I am more sinful and flawed than I ever dared believe, and I am more accepted and loved than I ever dared hope.” This is the gospel friends.

As Christians we are marked by joy, dancing, and rejoicing. Let this truth make your heart sing today!

Love,
Patsy

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Created as part of the Books of the Bible Collection where I meditate on God’s beauty and faithfulness from beginning to end for 66 days from Genesis to Revelation. Each painting will be accompanied by an envelope containing a personal reflection based on the text the painting is based on.

An 8x10 inch original watercolor painting on 100% cold pressed cotton paper, 2023.