THE GIFT OF GOD

When our sons were younger, one of our December nightly rituals was my reading the great classic from Dr. Seuss, "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." It is the story of a mean and small-hearted creature named "The Grinch." He steals the Whos' Christmas presents, decorations, and feast. Afterward, the Grinch expects terrible sadness but surprisingly hears singing in celebration! This behavior confuses the Grinch. As he contemplates all of this, he realizes Christmas's value is more than what would come in a box.

The value of a gift is what makes it more or less important to us. When we think of the grace of God, its value is seen in what God gave us. Ephesians 2:1-10 tells us what He did for us. Notice a few things that show the value of God's grace:

I.THE BEFORE (vv.1-3). We were spiritually dead, living according to three standards: the world's standard, Satan's standard, and selfish, disobedient man's standard. We also lived by our desires of the flesh and mind. We were people in line for God to pour His wrath upon us. We were living for ourselves and not Him.

1. THE GIFT (vv.4-9). Verse 4 begins with two huge words, "But God." Our Heavenly Father is not satisfied to leave people and abandon us to that fate because of His mercy and love. Notice the "with" verbs (Paul's baptism language - see also Eph. 1:20; Rom. 6:3-6, Col. 2:12-13). God has made us alive with Christ, raised with Christ, and seated with Christ. Since we are in Christ – we have the riches of His grace. We have been saved through faith. Our salvation is a gift! We did nothing to deserve it. He is not saying we do not have to obey – we do. However, He is saying we can never earn our salvation. We can only boast in Christ.

III. THE AFTER (v.10). God made us what we are, and that is why we are His workmanship. To avoid confusion, we could translate this "for good deeds." He wants us to do good things and keep the commandments. We cannot maintain God's grace without doing so. God planned before time for people in Christ to live a lifestyle of pursuing His commands.

The Grinch's heart grew, and his life changed when he realized the value of their real gift of Christmas – their love and relationships. When we realize the value of the gift of God – our salvation given to us by His grace – it should remake our hearts and transform our lives. However, that grace is only found in Christ.

Corey Sawyers is the preaching minister for the Martin Church of Christ and an adjunct instructor for Bear Valley Bible Institute. He is Melody's husband and Daddy to Garrett (and Bailey), Gordon (and Lauren), and Gannon. Please be our guest at Martin Church of Christ this December!