In Week 1, we reflect on the greatest blessing of all—the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Despite our sins, God’s mercy and grace have rescued us, giving us eternal life. Salvation is not earned by our works but is the ultimate gift from God, freely given to all who believe. This week, the focus is on cultivating gratitude for the unmerited grace we’ve received, realizing that being saved is not just about our future in heaven but about transformation in the here and now.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast. —Ephesians 2:4-9

I. WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE, NOT BY WORKS

Ephesians 2:4-5

II. SALVATION IS A NEW BEGINNING

For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.

But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life. —Titus 3:3-7

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! —2 Corinthians 5:17

teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:20

III. SALVATION IS AVAILABLE TO ALL

Ephesians 2:8-9