No Works Required

Scripture:
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB)

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Devotional:

What does it take to be saved?  How hard do we have to work, and for how long?  What must be done in order to earn salvation?  I once heard a comedian put salvation in terms of washing.  We think we have to change our ways or clean up our act in order to be accepted by Christ.  Let me ask a question.  How many people wash up before they go take a bath or shower?  None of us, that is what the shower is for.  We don’t stand at the sink to wash our face and hands to jump in the shower.  The reason for the shower is so that we can cleanse our entire body.  

Salvation is freely given, no works required.  Jesus shed His blood so that we may be completely cleansed by His sacrifice.  I once told some teenagers that the only action required by them to be saved is to accept the free gift of Grace.  There are no works or any prerequisites in order to receive Grace.  We do not have to change our ways in order to be saved.  We do not have to mend ourselves in order for Christ to come into our hearts.  Works or actions do not bring about Grace.  Instead, it is through the transformation we receive that changes us.  We are cleansed, washed and made new through Christ our Lord and Savior.  Nothing we can do can earn what He freely gives.