Grace 

   “In Christ and through his blood we have redemption and the forgiveness of our sins.  In accord with the riches of his grace.” (Eph 1: 7) 

   Of our own accord and by our own efforts we can do nothing, we need God’s grace in all things if we are to gain eternal life in his heavenly kingdom.

   Grace is a gift from God, given freely and something we cannot earn by our own efforts.  When the Holy Spirit guides our lives, and we submit ourselves to the will of God we will receive the grace we need.  It is this grace that will lend beauty and purpose to the good works we do.  We must recognize that any good we may do can only come from God.

   Many think they can “earn” heaven by their works and the various ministries they participate in.  They believe their works are the means of achieving heaven.  While these things are necessary unless they are done with the intent of serving the Lord and with humility they will never open the doors of heaven to us.  Only by His grace can we enter the gates of heaven.

   As St. Paul wrote, “For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith.  This has not come from you but from the gift of God.  It does not come from works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph 2: 8-9).  Salvation does not come from good works but from the grace of God.  The good works that we do are the evidence of our faith and of the salvation that faith brings to us through the blessings of God.