I truly love the way that Eugene Peterson translates certain passages from the Scriptures. Ephesians 2:7-10 in particular:
Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing. (Ephesians 2:7-10, The Message)
When I consider the idea that, “God does both the making and saving.” It challenges me to think long and hard about what my belief about “being saved” really is. Do I truly believe that I am saved, made holy, brought into right relationship with God through the grace of Jesus alone or do I something to add to it?
While I might give the right “answer” that’s not really the point is it? What really matters, what ultimately matters is how I live. You see our beliefs drive our actions. What we do displays what we believe.
Here are is a little self-diagnosis that I do every so often:
- Am I feeling guilt or shame? If so, what is the reason? Am I ready to confess my imperfection before God?
- Am I feeling fear? If so, what am I afraid of?
- Am I trying to prove myself to someone of to God? If so, why?
- Am I experiencing a sense of forgiveness before God and others?
Four questions that I wrestle with over and over. They help me to know and understand where I’m at and if I’m trying to save myself or if I’m yielding to grace. To practice resurrection means to yield to grace and trust that Jesus stands has made us righteous and holy.
