A Project of Grace AND a Product of Grace

To encourage us as we trudge through our busy (or boring) week, let’s explore an idea that gives value to the our midweek routines.

The question came to my mine: “Am I a project of grace or am I a product of grace? Of course, you guessed the answer: Both! We can readily understand that we are saved by grace through faith, that our salvation is secured forever by the risen Lord, and therefore, the product of God’s salvation plan is finished. The outcome is assured for eternity.

However, it is encouraging to understand God’s commitment to the process of our growth into Christlikeness as well as to the product of His grace in bringing many sons to glory. Below I am offering for your thoughtful consideration biblical evidence of the grace of God in the process, in His taking on our lives as His delightful project. Watch the underlined words.

Ephesians 2:8-10. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as 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 so that we would walk in them.

Ephesians 1:11-12. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:18-20a. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20a which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead . . .

Romans 8:29-30. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

Our Lord loves to walk along side us in the every-day outworking of our daily lives. He want us to know that He is right here, right now. He is our Friend that sticks closer than a brother. He can simulate “the Garden” fellowship in the cool of the day. He can welcome us along side Him in an “Enoch” type of walk of faith (Hebrews 11:4-6).

The song writer reminded us, “When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His word, what a glory he sheds on our way. While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.”

We, brothers and sisters, are projects of His grace. God prepared beforehand things we get to do with Him and for him. We are His workmanship (poiema, literally, “poem”). Every day He is composing new verses to His glory. Yes, right here in the middle of our week, His project continues in us. Feel encouraged? Trust and obey.