Ephesians 2:8-10 (CB)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

We become Christians through God’s unmerited grace, not as the result of any effort, ability, intelligent choice, or act of service on our part. Out of gratitude for this free gift, however, our hearts should overflow with a desire to help and serve others with kindness, love, and gentleness. While no action or work we do can help us obtain salvation, God intends for our salvation to result in acts of service. We are not saved merely for our own benefit but to serve Christ and to build up His church (4:12).