For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not from yourselves—it is the gift of God. It is not based on deeds, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9, TLV
The Greatest Gift. Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah—or both—there are probably a few gifts in your future. Gifts we give. Gifts we receive. But the greatest gift came in a simple package, yet we will explore its contents for the rest of our lives.
What is that gift? Grace.
Oops. Did you think I was going to say the babe in a manger? That’s part of the Grace Gift.
For we are His workmanship—created in Messiah Yeshua for good deeds, which God prepared beforehand so we might walk in them. (vs. 10, TLV, Emphasis Mine)
The key here is “God prepared beforehand.” Before the world was spoken into being, our Heavenly Father had prepared this ultimate gift of grace that would be made flesh. The gift was always there. From the Garden to crossing the Red Sea, to Yeshua’s words on the cross, “It is finished” to His resurrection and return to His Father, to today, grace was there.
But God was rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us. Even when we were dead in our trespasses, He made us alive together with Messiah. (By grace you have been saved!) (vss. 4-5, TLV)
Billions may be celebrating Christmas. Many may even celebrate the birth of the promised Messiah coming as a baby — because who doesn’t love that story. But remember, the baby grew up. He modeled how to have a relationship with His Father and each other. That baby grew up to die for us — atone for our sins.
Before the world was spoken into being, the plan was prepared for us to follow — walk — in the Messiah’s good deeds, not because it earned our salvation, but out of love and gratitude. That’s grace.
