God’s Grace: A Free Gift or a Treasure Map?

Have you ever received a gift so special, you knew right away you could never earn it or repay it? Maybe someone saved your life or gave you something that changed your life forever. God's grace is like that a gift so incredible, so generous, that we could never deserve it by ourselves.

Grace is a popular topic today, but many Christians misunderstand it. Some people say, "Grace is free, so there’s nothing I have to do." Others worry, "If I have to do anything, does that mean I'm earning salvation?" The truth is simpler and more beautiful than either of these extremes.

Imagine a wealthy king inviting you to a banquet at his castle. You didn't earn the invitation; it’s purely out of his kindness. But what happens if you never show up? Do you enjoy the feast? Of course not! Accepting the invitation, showing up isn’t earning the banquet; it’s just receiving it. Salvation is God's banquet, and grace is His invitation.

In the book of Ephesians, Paul explains clearly how Jesus Christ is the channel through which God’s grace flows to us. Paul repeats over and over that every spiritual blessing like forgiveness, peace, and new life is found "in Christ." He says, "By grace you have been saved through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). Notice he doesn't say "grace alone." He says "through faith." Faith is how we accept God's invitation.

But some people today say accepting the invitation (obeying God’s commands) means we’re earning His grace. They think if we must do anything—like believe, repent, or be baptized it takes away from God’s grace. But does that really make sense?

Imagine someone gives you a treasure map. You didn’t earn it; it's completely free. But what if you never follow the map to dig up the treasure? Does that mean the map was any less of a gift? No! Obeying God’s instructions is like following the map—it's how we find the treasure He freely gives us.

The Bible clearly shows us examples of this. Think about Noah. The Bible says Noah found grace in God's eyes (Genesis 6:8). But Noah still had to build the ark. Did building the ark earn Noah’s salvation? No! He simply obeyed the instructions God gave him. He didn’t earn his rescue; he received it by accepting the gift God offered.

Or what about Naaman, the general who had leprosy? God offered to heal him but told him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Did Naaman earn his healing by dipping in the water? No, he simply obeyed God’s instructions. His obedience didn’t diminish God's grace; it was how he received it.

In the New Testament, we see this clearly again and again. On the Day of Pentecost, people asked Peter, "What should we do?" (Acts 2:37). Peter didn't say, "Nothing! Just relax; God's grace covers it." No! He told them to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). Was Peter contradicting grace? Of course not. He was showing them how to accept God's grace.

Some teachers today mistakenly think Ephesians 2:8-9 means we must do absolutely nothing to accept God's grace. But look carefully. Paul is saying we cannot boast or brag that we saved ourselves. It’s not our plan, not our idea, not something we designed. It's entirely God’s gift, and He alone deserves the credit. But receiving the gift still requires us to trust and obey.

Think about Abraham. Paul says Abraham wasn't saved by works like circumcision, a ceremonial act from Jewish law (Romans 4). But James says Abraham was justified by works when he obeyed God by offering Isaac (James 2:21-22). Is this a contradiction? Not at all.

Paul was addressing ceremonial works that Jews wrongly thought earned God’s favor. James speaks about the obedience that shows genuine trust in God. True faith always acts.

God didn’t save us just so we could sit back and do nothing. Paul continues in Ephesians 2:10, "We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works." The word "workmanship" in Greek literally means "God's masterpiece." Imagine you’re an artist, and you create your best work a masterpiece. Would you hide it away? No, you'd display it! God created you to display His goodness through good works. Doing good doesn’t earn God's love; it shows you’ve received it.

Finally, Paul says something incredible about God's grace: "You who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13). Imagine being lost in a dark forest, completely alone and without hope. Suddenly, someone shines a light and leads you safely home. You didn't earn that rescue. You simply followed the one who came to save you. Jesus is that Savior who came to rescue all of us no matter how far we wandered.

So, when God offers grace, we don't earn it. But we do have to accept it His way by trusting Jesus, turning from sin, and obeying His simple commands. God's grace isn't cheapened by our obedience; it’s beautifully fulfilled.

Remember, grace is God’s invitation, faith is our acceptance, and obedience is simply showing up to enjoy the feast. Isn’t it wonderful that the King Himself has invited you to share in His eternal banquet? The question is simple: Have you accepted His invitation?

God’s Grace: A Free Gift or a Treasure Map?