Foundations 18: Saved by Grace Alone — Ephesians 2:1-10

Ephesians 2:1-10

2 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

1. Background:

Paul is writing a letter to a church he started in Ephesus. When Paul first met them, they were pagans of other religions and did not know about God. There would have been some Jews that knew the Scriptures but did not yet hear about Jesus. Paul writes to them to encourage them to grow in faith. They need to know that their salvation is not earned or maintained by works.  

In Paul’s day, some Jews were telling new believers that belief in Jesus was not enough. Jews were telling the foreign Christians they had to be circumcised and obey Moses’ law (see Acts 15:5). Paul writes to ensure believers that salvation is belief in Jesus alone.  

2. What Can We Observe About God?

God’s love is endlessly rich, willing to pay the total cost of any amount of sin to save sinners.

The people who Paul is writing to were dead in their sins when Paul met them. They did not know God or of His ways. Instead, just like everyone who doesn’t know God, lives life according to their own desires. This lifestyle without God is destined for God’s wrath and judgment.

“Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” Verse 3

But after they heard the Gospel and believed, God made them “alive.” 

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins” Verse 1

Even after a whole lifetime of sin, God’s mercy is enough to forgive all and give us life in Christ.

“Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ.” Verse 5

Jesus Christ is the way God chose to save sinners and show forgiveness. This way is the Gospel way to salvation.

“That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Verse 7

Because this is God’s heart and the way He has chosen, it is foolish for anything to think they can pay for their own sin or build up righteousness by doing good works. 

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” Verse 8

Paul says to them, stop saying you earn or keep your salvation by doing things. It is God’s gift you received when you believed the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you start saying salvation comes because you do good works, it is no longer a gift. It would be insulting to the Lord Jesus if you tried to purchase salvation after He already paid for you.

Someone did try to purchase the gift of God with money, and the apostles sharply rejected them. 

“And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.”

Acts 8:18-20

In the same way, God’s give cannot be purchased or earn with good works or any other kind of currency. Salvation is the “gift” of God through Jesus Christ! V8

If people could purchase, earn, or maintain their salvation, then they could brag on themselves. But God only wants people to praise Him, not themselves. 

“Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Verse 9

If you try to add works or tell others they must do more than just believe, then you are polluting the Gospel and insulting God’s gift. Don’t change God’s word! It is His plan, and He will finish His work!

3. How Does This Passage Point to Jesus?

Jesus’ death on the cross is enough to settle any amount of sin debt and preserve eternal life for all who believe.

God doesn’t want us to add stuff to His masterpiece. He doesn’t need our opinions, money, or good works. Just as He created the world without our help, so He creates new believers without our help. He doesn’t need us to do anything besides believe His word and believe the Gospel!

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Verse 10

Believers are His masterpiece, and He is doing a work of grace in us! Just believe His word!

4. Application

Check your understanding of the Gospel. Do you believe you have eternal life ultimately from grace alone without your works? Once a person is saved, God does have works for us to do, but they are for maintaining or earning our salvation!

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Verse 10

The works God created you for will serve Him, particularly helping His church get the Gospel to others. Are you willing to get involved? Jesus was willing to give all the grace necessary to save you. Are you willing to offer the same grace to people who need to hear the Gospel?

Every service rendered in the church plays a part of grace to other people. You can pour coffee for a guest who visits. You can sit with a stranger and make them feel welcome. It is hard for people to visit a new place. What grace can you extend to them to help them hear the Gospel?

God is looking for people He will use. He will use people who want to be used.