“8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)

Have you ever felt as if you are not “Christian enough”? That you need to do more “good works” to make God happy? Although Scripture tells us otherwise, as people, we are prone to be deluded by our own beliefs and anxiety. Scripture tells us that “by grace you have been saved through faith”. To be saved by God is not based on our own works, but rather by faith in Him to do the saving for us. By doing so, we cannot “boast” of our own accords and God is glorified. Grace is His freely given “gift” to us. Again, salvation is not by works. If it were, then those who are saved would get the glory.

Our knowledge and understanding of God, who He is and what He has promised and revealed to us in Scripture, is the transitioning point of leaving behind lies for truth. Our failures and hardships often cause us to doubt and be persuaded and deceived by the worldly pleasures: sin.

But have confidence, for we are “[God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them”. The good works Christians do are the result and consequence of God working in and through us. Paul reminds us in Romans that God’s people and grace are inseparable and that it is God’s work alone in us that saves: “But if it is by faith, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise faith would no longer be grace” (11:6).

We can strengthen our faith by choosing to trust in Jesus rather than circumstance or human wisdom. Our view of the world is limited and unreliable. Through the truth of Scripture, we can stand firm and know with certainty that the Lord is faithful and will hold steadfast to His promises.