Salvation: By Grace Through Faith (Eph. 2:8-9)
As Paul writes of salvation we enjoy as Christians, we are reminded that grace and faith work together.
Salvation: By Grace through Faith (Eph. 2:8-9)
As Paul writes of salvation we enjoy as Christians, we are reminded that grace and faith work together.
- By Grace—God’s Part of Salvation
- God made our salvation possible in Christ Jesus according to His eternal plan; this is the message of Ephesians 1:3-14.
- b. This reminds us of the need of salvation (Eph. 2:1-3, Rom. 3:23, 6:23) and also the favor God has shown to us in making it possible (Titus 2:11-4, 3:4-5; Jn. 3:16; Rom. 3:24-26, Matt. 11:28-30).
- Through Faith—Man’s Part of Salvation
- While salvation has been offered to man, man plays a part in accepting it (Matt. 7:21; Acts 2:40).
- Man’s part is faith; God has set forth the evidence (John 20:30-31; Heb. 11:1; Eph. 1:9, 3:2ff) but man must believe and act on it (Heb. 11:6).
- This is not simply belief (John 12:42-43; James 2:19) but active faith (Gal. 5:6; Heb. 11:7, 30; James 2:24; Rom. 6:17; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38, 41; Gal. 3:26-27).
- Not of Works—Salvation is Not Earned or Merited
- Faith is not the gift (Jn. 8:24, Acts 16:31; Phil. 1:29).
- Salvation is the gift (Titus 2:11, 3:4-5; James 1:17-18); a gift man does not merit (Rom. 4:4-5, 5:8).
- While made available to all (Matt. 11:28; Rev. 22:17; 1 Tim. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9, it is not unconditional or universal (Heb. 5:8-9) — it is by grace through faith.
