ESOCS Devotional 16 May 2026 – Grace Only Available Through Christ
MEMORY VERSE: ““For by grace are ye 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 KJV
TEXT: EPHESIANS 2:1-10
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
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Without any atom of doubt, Christ is the centre for all of God’s plan. As we read in Colossians 1:16, everything, both in heaven and on earth was created by Christ, and through Christ. In John 1:3, we see that God created all things through Christ, and that nothing was ever created except through Him. Also, in Christ, God reconciles His whole vast creation unto Himself (v. 6). We are chosen, redeemed, reconciled and forgiven in Christ. In Christ, we receive grace, kindness, gospel truth, light and strength. God made us alive with Christ, and has seated us in heavenly places with Christ. We have been recreated in Christ to do good works, and to live as a united body of believers.
Grace is God’s life-transforming gift of His favour to undeserving beneficiaries. The gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins is available for all who, through faith, accept His grace revealed in Christ Jesus. Unfortunately, many miss the gift, because they rely on themselves, and try to earn grace by keeping the law, (Mark 10:17-23).
God’s grace also supplies us with everything we need for daily life, and to that end, He invites us to come to Him with our needs. Though to a limited extent, even the wicked receive blessings from God’s grace (v. 8). Little wonder it is so exciting to be a Christian – a fitting name for one who believes in Jesus Christ. These are the ones whose blessings through grace, is not limited to earthly or material wellbeing, but even unto the heritage of eternal life through Christ the Redeemer.
Reflections
- Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. It is only in Him all things consist.
Prayer
- Lord Jesus, I will worship and adore you all my life.
Further Reading: 2 Kings 4:18-37; Isaiah 25:1-9; Luke 23:17-56.
ESOCS Devotional 16 May 2026
