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

What a wonderful gift this is! Never do we have to feel condemned or measured by our performance. There is no rat race of good works that earns us the love and approval of God. While we should do our best to obey His word, it’s inevitable that we will mess up and fall short at times. But because of what Jesus did on the cross for us, we can walk through life in complete freedom!

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (Luke 18:17)

Ever since the day of your salvation, Jesus has lived inside your heart. He sent His Son to die for us so that He could break down the walls between you and Him and have an intimate relationship. This is the difference between Christianity and other worldly, false religions.

Relationship with the God of the universe is greater than any man-made religion.

When the garment of guilt oppresses you after you make a mistake, lay it down at His feet and remind yourself that God is faithful to forgive. Then, you can put on the garment of praise and put on the robe of righteousness He has already given you.

Today, walk in the freedom Christ purchased for you. You are who He says you are, not what the world says. You are a chosen child of the Most High God!  

With Love,
Sarah Sherstad

Use This in Your Personalized Scripture Journal

As you reflect on Ephesians 2:8–9, take time to write through these prompts:

·       Do I sometimes feel like I have to earn God’s love?

·       Where in my life am I striving instead of resting in grace?

·       What does it mean to me that salvation is a gift?

·       How would my daily life change if I truly believed I don’t have to prove myself?

·       What fears or pressures could I release if I trusted fully in God’s grace?

Grace shifts everything. It replaces striving with gratitude and performance with peace.

Use this space to write a prayer thanking God for the gift of salvation and asking Him to help you live from grace rather than for approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ephesians 2:8–9 mean?
These verses teach that salvation comes through God’s grace by faith — not through human effort or good works.

What does “saved by grace” mean?
It means that salvation is a gift from God, not something earned through performance or achievement.

Does this mean good works don’t matter?
Good works are the result of salvation, not the cause of it. They flow from gratitude, not obligation.

Why is grace so central to Christianity?
Because grace reveals that God initiates salvation and offers it freely through Christ.

How can journaling help me understand grace more deeply?
Writing reflections and prayers can help uncover areas where you are still striving and reinforce trust in God’s finished work.