What does Ephesians 2:8-9 teach about salvation?

Ephesians 2:8-9 is a cornerstone passage in understanding the Christian doctrine of salvation. These verses state: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (NKJV). These words, penned by the Apostle Paul, encapsulate the essence of the Christian gospel and provide profound insights into the nature of salvation. Let's delve into these verses to unpack their meaning and significance.

First, it is essential to understand the context in which Paul wrote this epistle. The letter to the Ephesians was written to the church in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor, around AD 60-62 during Paul's imprisonment in Rome. The primary purpose of the letter was to strengthen and encourage the believers by explaining the nature of the church and the believer's position in Christ. In the first chapter, Paul elaborates on the spiritual blessings in Christ, emphasizing that believers are chosen, predestined, adopted, redeemed, and sealed by the Holy Spirit.

When we arrive at Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul has already laid the groundwork by discussing the believer's past condition of spiritual death due to sin (Ephesians 2:1-3) and God's intervention through His mercy and love (Ephesians 2:4-7). These verses serve as a summary statement, highlighting the core of the gospel message.

The phrase "For by grace you have been saved" underscores that salvation is entirely an act of God's grace. Grace, in biblical terms, refers to God's unmerited favor and kindness towards humanity. It is not something we can earn or deserve; rather, it is a free gift from God. This concept of grace is foundational to Christian theology. In Romans 3:23-24, Paul reiterates this by stating, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

The next part of the verse, "through faith," indicates the means by which this grace is received. Faith is the channel through which we accept God's gift of salvation. It involves trusting in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. Faith is more than mere intellectual assent; it is a wholehearted reliance on Christ for salvation. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Thus, faith is both a confident assurance and a firm conviction in God's promises.

Paul further clarifies, "and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." Here, Paul emphasizes that even the faith we exercise is not something we conjure up on our own. It is also a gift from God. This statement nullifies any notion of human boasting or self-reliance in the process of salvation. Theologian John Stott, in his commentary on Ephesians, explains that "the whole initiative in our salvation was taken by God from start to finish" (Stott, "The Message of Ephesians").

The subsequent phrase, "not of works," reinforces the idea that human effort plays no role in achieving salvation. This stands in stark contrast to many religious systems that advocate for a works-based approach to gaining favor with God. In Christianity, good works are the result, not the cause, of salvation. Paul elaborates on this in Titus 3:5, "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit."

Finally, Paul concludes with "lest anyone should boast." This statement serves as a humbling reminder that salvation is entirely God's doing, leaving no room for personal pride or self-glorification. Boasting is antithetical to the gospel because it shifts the focus from God's grace to human achievement. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:31, "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord."

In summary, Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches that salvation is a gift of God's grace, received through faith, and not based on human works. This doctrine is central to the Christian faith and underscores the depth of God's love and mercy towards humanity. It also serves as a reminder of our total dependence on God for our salvation and the futility of relying on our own efforts. These verses call us to a posture of humility and gratitude, recognizing that our salvation is entirely due to God's initiative and grace.