For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] Eph 2:8-9
In Greek the word for favor is Charis, the same word for grace. No wonder then yesterday we learned that favor was a gift from God. As a matter of fact today’s verses tells us it’s part of our salvation, that we cannot possibly earn in any way so that we can not take pride in it. Actually the definition of Charis is, that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: favor and grace. Bible Study Notes describes it as; of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, favor and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues.
This is why we know we have God’s favor on us especially when it doesn’t look or seem like it. There is no greater way to please God than when we still trust and have faith in Him when we aren’t experiencing favor. When we know our favor comes from Jesus sacrifice we then believe that whatever hindrance or negative circumstance we are experiencing God will use it to prepare us for something amazing in our future that will also bring Him honor and glory. It truly is amazing grace.
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