The Ribbon on the Box
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV
This is an original fictional illustration, not a historical report or an added Bible event.
Mason counted the coins in his pocket. His grandpa had brought him a birthday present, and Mason wanted to pay for it. He placed three coins beside the box.
Grandpa slid them back. The present was already paid for. Mason could open it and say thank you. He did not need to earn the ribbon, the box, or what was inside.
God's gift of salvation is far greater than a birthday present. We have sinned, and we cannot pay for forgiveness by behaving well. Jesus died for our sins and rose again. We are saved by God's grace through faith in Him. Good things we do cannot buy that gift.
Mason opened the box with empty hands. Gifts are received, not earned. Keep that difference clear when you hear about God's grace.
For the grown-up reading along
Paul first describes our need as sinners and then explains God's mercy. Salvation is His gift, received through faith, not earned by works. Good works follow new life in Christ; they do not buy it.
Read the KJV passage aloud. Explain unfamiliar words in ordinary language without changing the quotation.
Read further: Ephesians 2 in the King James Bible.