Grace Ethic

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
Galatians 2:16

Recommended Reading
Ephesians 2:8-10

Everything we have in life is something we worked for. Or, if we received it as a gift, someone else worked for it. "There is no free lunch" is drilled into our conscious minds from our earliest days, and for good reason. Developing a sound work ethic--the proverbial "Protestant work ethic"--is a mark of mature character.

But when we bring that work ethic to God to obtain our salvation, we find it has no power. Receiving salvation from God is not on the basis of what we do, but what Christ has done for us. Our works, performed with sinful hands, cannot satisfy the demands of a holy God. We are told that salvation comes only by grace: "the gift of God... lest anyone should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). This is a rude awakening for people who are used to working for what they have. But grace is the biblical way salvation is conveyed.

Refresh your heart and mind today with the biblical truth that your salvation is the gift of God. Rest, receive, and renew your grateful heart.

Faith is not an achievement, it is a gift.
Abraham Lincoln