Ephesians 2:8-10
What is written? (ESV)
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.
What does it say?
You have been saved by grace through faith. Salvation isn’t possible because of anything you did, so don’t boast about being saved. Rather, we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand for us to walk in.
What is its immediate context?
Paul is writing to the Ephesians (Christians), and specifically here, Christians who had been Gentiles (vs 11, 3:1). He reminds them of their past lives in sin (vss 1-3) and being alienated from Israel’s commonwealth and strangers to the covenants of promise (vs 12). However, they are now “brought near by the blood of Christ” (vs 13).
How Ephesians 2:8-10 is applied across Bible answers
How are we saved by grace only?
The gift of God's grace is manifested through one's faith...which is further manifested in a life of good deeds.
How are works defined in the Bible?
Paul is speaking to Gentile Christians (not Jewish Christians) to remind them they were saved not based on their own effort/merit (e.g. being circumcised in the flesh1).
Highlighting this to Gentiles was especially important given the ongoing teaching by some that you had to be circumcised in the flesh before becoming a Christian.
Is baptism required for salvation?
God's free gift (grace) of Jesus Christ is fundamental in saving us. Without this gift (grace) there is no chance of salvation, certainly not through any "work" we could do. The grace is received by us through faith (belief) and should result in us doing good works in His name. This confirms there is no value in faith or works if there is no grace. However, it doesn't negate the need for faith or works.
Top 3: Salvation false doctrines?
What is salvation according to the Bible?
Paul highlights two of the things that save someone: it's "by grace" (salvation is only possible because it's a "gift of God") and "through faith" (the gift is only received by believing in/accepting/obeying in Jesus, the Word). Once accepted, we are called to "walk in" good works.5
