It’s a done deal

“Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish!” —Ephesians 2:7-9 The Message Bible

In these verses from Ephesians, Paul lays a foundation of spiritual truth that speaks directly to the heart of our faith: we are saved by Jesus alone. This reality is humbling and empowering, calling us to a life of trust and belief.

First, consider God’s profound kindness. He has us right where He wants us, enveloped in His grace and kindness through Jesus Christ. This grace is not something we earn or deserve; it is a gift freely given. Our salvation is a divine initiative planned and executed by God Himself. Understanding this truth helps us release the pressure we often place on ourselves to “earn” God’s favor. Instead, we are invited to rest in His grace, knowing our salvation is secure in Jesus.

However, living a life of trust is not just a mental acknowledgment. It means accepting that we do not have to strive to make ourselves worthy of God’s love. Paul emphasizes that saving is entirely God’s work. “All we do is trust him enough to let him do it.” Trust is not passive resignation but an active reliance on God’s promises. It means believing that Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient and that His love for us is unwavering. This trust transforms how we live our daily lives, allowing us to move from anxiety and self-effort to peace and reliance on God.

Our belief in Jesus and His work on the cross empowers us to engage in the good works God has prepared for us. We are not saved BY these works, but we are saved FOR them. God has crafted each of us uniquely, with specific purposes and plans. As we trust Him, we discover the joy of participating in His mission, reflecting His love and grace to those around us.

Living a trusting, believing life means actively surrendering our need for control and acknowledging that God is the author of our story. It means embracing our identity as His beloved children, saved and empowered by His grace. It is about letting go of our fears and doubts, and confidently resting in the assurance that God’s plans for us are good. As we do, we will find ourselves equipped and ready to “continue the teaching and healing ministry of Christ” through living with his purpose and passion, bringing glory to His name, and spreading His love to our students, faculty, fellow employees, and patients.

—Terry Swenson, DMin, is director of University Spiritual Care.