Illustrations are very helpful in clarifying and understanding biblical concepts. Jesus’ used parables in the same way. I have been working to find a good illustration to describe Paul’s words in the verse that is a foundation of Christianity, Ephesians 2:8,9 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so no one can boast.”

We talk about grace, and faith, but how do they fit together?

Think of water flowing through a garden hose. The water is God’s grace, and the hose is faith. So grace (water) comes through faith (the hose). Before we are saved, we have put a kink in the hose, and are holding it to prevent the water from flowing. When we release the kink, the water flows. God’s grace is a free gift ready for anyone who will release the kink in their hose, and stop rejecting the grace. Faith is the way it comes to us.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the free gift of eternal life that we have by your gift of grace. Help us accept it completely, and share the peace it brings with others so they might remove the “kink in their hose” and accept your grace as well. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.