Ephesians 2:7-14New Living Translation (NLT)
7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Oneness and Peace in Christ
11 Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts. 12 In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. 13 But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.
14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.
Dear Father, You point to me as an example of your incredible wealth of grace and kindness. You show this through your son, Jesus. You saved me by your grace. And by your grace I believed. I cannot take credit for this. You gave me this gift. My salvation is not a reward for being good. I cannot boast about any goodness. I am your masterpiece, Lord. You created me and renewed me in Christ. I can do good things that you have planned for me long ago. I am part of your family, Lord. I live in this world with you as my Lord. I have hope. I am united with Christ. I have been brought near to my Father and my Savior. Thank you for your peace and unity in the body of Christ. In Jesus’ Name I Pray, Amen.
