THE ELEMENT OF ‘WORK’ IN GRACE

Ephesians 2:8:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (KJV)

Despite God’s unhappiness with man’s wickedness, Noah found grace so that the Lord confided in him to build an ark and established His covenant with him (Genesis 6:5-22).

In 1 Corinthians 15:9, Paul said: ‘For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God.’ Indeed, God’s grace qualifies the unqualified because when you find grace, you obtain mercy, after which favour starts to operate in your life.

Beloved, does it seem as if life has not been going to plan despite your labour — the grace of God is what you need as you keep up with your service, and I decree! This week, the anointing for ease and accomplishment shall take you to the peak of your career and existence, in Jesus’ name.

However, our Bible reading tells us that it is by this same grace that we got saved through our faith. In other words, the first step to enjoying the maximum benefit of grace is to accept Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). After this, you must not live in sin because ‘Grace is not a passport for reckless living’ (Romans 6:1-2).

Another vital step to continually enjoy grace is to work hard. Noah found grace and built an ark (work). Apostle Paul, again in 1 Corinthians 15:10 stressed the importance of putting efforts into what we do. He said: ‘For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace’ (NLT).

Therefore, there is an element of work in attracting divine favour. James 2:26b also says, ‘so faith without works is dead.’ This means — if we have received grace through faith, and faith is powerless without work; then, we must continue to work (pray and be diligent in our occupation).

‘No grace without faith. No faith without work.’