God Helps those Who Help Themselves

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God —  not by works, so that no one can boast.”

I can’t remember the first place I ever heard this statement, but it was from someone that believed that it was a spiritual truth. God doe expect us to help ourselves to some things, such as being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient and working diligently. But when it comes to salvation, we must rely entirely on God’s provision and mercy. From the beginning, we.ve tried to help God provide us with salvation, but He has put up a sign that clearly stated: ”No Help Wanted or Needed”.  

Our small group Bible Study was talking last night how we tend to believe that we’re not too bad really. That is until we really take a close look at ourselves and our sin. Have we ever lied, ever cheat on anything, ever stole anything, ever coveted someone else’s stuff, ever idolized someone or something, ever lusted after anyone, ever hated anyone and take God’s name lightly or for granted? Then one of our group member’s Warren says, “now, multiple that over all the years that you’ve lived.”

1 Corinthians 15:9-10 “For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.”

If the Apostle Paul felt that he did not deserve to be called an apostle because of the sin that he committed against God, then where do we stand  on our own? Our best falls short of what God accepts for our atonement, and for that reason, we can’t help ourselves. And fortunately, we don’t need to. Christ has already fully paid our debts. As far as salvation is concerned, God helps the helpless who trust in Him.

Today, thank God for that truth, and rest yourself in Him and in His provision for your atonement in Jesus Christ.

Blessings, Brian