MERIT!

MERIT!

Eph 2:4-10

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

          The word “merit” does not appear anywhere in the Bible. This English word, as a noun, means “laudable or blameworthy traits or actions; conduct deserving reward or honor.” As a verb, the word means “to earn or deserve.”

          The concepts of merit or demerit have been planted deeply into our psyche and have born abundant fruit. The concept of merit is contrary to the concept of grace. Four phrases stand out in our portion of Scripture which capture our attention and imagination. First we were dead in our sins; totally unable to respond to Christ. Then we learn that salvation is not of ourselves and not of works. Finally we are told that salvation is a product of His workmanship. In spite of this four-fold reinforcement of the facts, we still fail to understand.

          The word “works,” in verse 9 is the Greek ergon and simply means toil. Salvation is not achieved through strenuous effort or even strong desire. The word “workmanship,” on the other hand, is poiema and literally means fabric! The white robe of our salvation was spun, woven, cut, sewn and crafted by Christ Himself. We are His workmanship.

          The closest word we have to “merit” in Scripture is the word “worthy” and we see it at the end of Romans chapter one. After a long list of sins, verse 32 declares that those who sin are “worthy of death.” Chapter two actually begins with a conclusion by declaring man inexcusable.

Oh Thou virtuous God! I have rightly earned only condemnation, death and eternal separation from you. Yet, through no merit of my own, I am accepted, given eternal life and friendship with Thee, O majestic creator. Treat me today as one of Thy little birds who do not plant nor harvest nor gather into barns. Yet daily you provide them their meat. O God, be thou to me not only my substance but my Savior and my friend. AMEN