Some of you might wonder why I named my Blog Eph2810; some may not be surprised (especially people who know me) when they read my Blog.
You see, I am Bible believing Christian (Lutheran to be exact) and I didn’t understand the gift of God until 7 years ago when I started attending a Lutheran church here in Arizona and my son started his confirmation class. In Germany, till this day, in most of your Lutheran churches the “Law” is more preached than the “Gospel”; which is strange, since one of the biggest and influential reformers was Martin Luther.
At first I thought that I never paid attention in church when I was younger, but believe me I did; I noticed it again when I was in Germany last year and attended the church my mom & sister belong to.
So, here I am in confirmation class with my son (parents at my home congregation are strongly encouraged to attend the class with their children), I finally understood the grace of God…WOW – what a revelation that was to me… There it was – right in front of me and I never had noticed it before…
There is absolutely nothing I can do to earn my way to heaven. No matter how much I put in the offering plate (I do tithe though) or how much I am involved in church. God loves me anyway and it was by His grace that I am saved, not my merit, but His. No matter, how many times I stumble, He picks me up, dusts me off and says: “My grace is sufficient for you”. I am cleansed through the precious blood of Christ. Ah, what a comfort!
So, since that revelation, Ephesians 2:8-10 are my favorite Bible verses and always will be until I meet my Lord in person and can thank Him for what He has done for me…
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
(Eph 2:8-10 NIV © IBS)
What attracted my attention to your blog was the specific reference to Ephesians 2:8-10.
For many years, Ephesians 2:8-9 were my favorite verses–but I completely ignored 10. It was not until my repentance at the age of 30 that I found such meaning in verse 10.
The grace of God, found only through faith, having nothing to do with our own works is only the beginning–but to realize that God *foreordained* us to walk in good works carries so much more meaning!
I find it interesting that you mention that the churches in Germany preach primarily the Law. I believe that the churches here in America have forsaken the preaching of the Law–to their detriment.
Notice what the scriptures say about the Law:
Psalms 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The Word of God has said *exactly* what the purpose of the Law is: it is *perfect* for converting the soul.
As Paul said in Galatians 3: 24-25:
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
The Law, then, is *perfect* in converting the soul and is our “schoolmaster” to bring us to Christ.
I’ve also heard the analogy that the Law is a “mirror”–reflecting back to us what we look like to God, showing us our sins, making us realize our *need* for God’s grace and salvation.
Amen to that Ben…
I agree, there needs to be a good balance of Gospel & Law. As you said, the Law, although fulfilled by Christ Jesus, needs to be preached, to show us (like a mirror) that we are in need of a Savior.
By Grace though faith alone indeed!
I’m not Lutheran, but I do love my Lutheran brothers and sisters and Luther for what he so diligently fought for during his life – faith in Jesus Christ and him crucified.
Brad
What a beautiful testimony–again, of God’s grace in your life. I have so enjoyed my visit here. Thank you for being faithful to share God’s work of grace in your life and heart.