“For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

“It is hard for me to pick just one,” Larry told his Sunday school class. “I know Dick wants us to pick out our favorite verse or two. I love them all, but I guess if I had to pick one or two, it would have to be Ephesians 2:8-9. You see, folks, for forty-three years I was a member of a church that taught us that we had to work for our salvation. I paid for prayers to be said. I lit candles, thinking it would help me to get to Heaven. I did things for the church, thinking it would make me good enough. Then my little granddaughter Heather bought me a candy bar and brought it to me. I hugged her and said, “Honey, let me buy it from you. That little five-year-old looked me in the eye and said, ‘Grandpa, then it wouldn’t be a gift anymore.’ Well, that started me thinking. Then a few days later Andy was sharing the great news with me that salvation was a gift to be received, not a wage to be earned. That’s why I pick Ephesians 2:8-9 as favorite verses of mine.” How about you? What would be your favorite verses?

For today: Have you received the gift of salvation through Christ alone, or are you still trying to work for it? Trust Christ alone and receive His gift. Take a moment to read “Heaven—Are You Going There?” on my website www.michaelpeck.org.