“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph. 2:8-9).
Rightly, this is one of the most quoted and beloved passages in the entire Bible. How can sinful man possess the life of heaven (eternal life) here and now and for all eternity? Simply by the grace of God! Grace means that salvation is a work only God can accomplish on behalf of sinful man.
Man’s part in the transaction is described with the simple phrase “through faith.” This is the same idea contained in Eph. 1:13 where Paul described the process of hearing the gospel and having believed. The faith response requires that we turn to God with an absolute sense of need understanding the depth of our sin and receive what He offers which is Christ the only sacrifice for sin.
Paul wants to make it abundantly clear that man cannot obtain salvation by any merit or work of his own. He wants us to understand that the impetus for salvation and the outworking of this salvation comes from God alone. It is a gift from God and not a case of human effort. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts of sin and causes man to consider his need. It is the power of God that enables us to act to procure that redemption made possible in Christ. Man’s task is to respond in faith. Have you?
Prayer: Thank You for loving me and saving me from my sin. Amen