Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Word-by-Word Analysis
Cross References
Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):
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1
Romans 3:24
Romans 3:24
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:— Justified freely by grace
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2
Titus 3:5
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;— Not by works
Analysis
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. This verse provides the theological foundation of Protestant soteriology. "By grace" (tē chariti, τῇ χάριτι) emphasizes the instrumental cause of salvation—God's unmerited favor is the means by which salvation occurs. Grace is not merely divine attitude but active divine power working salvation.
"Through faith" (dia pisteōs, διὰ πίστεως) identifies faith as the channel through which grace is received. Faith is not a work that earns salvation but the empty hand that receives God's gift. The prepositions distinguish grace as the efficient cause and faith as the instrumental cause of salvation.
"Not of yourselves" (ouk ex hymōn, οὐκ ἐξ ὑμῶν) explicitly denies human contribution to salvation. The pronoun "that" (touto, τοῦτο) likely refers to the entire salvation process, not just faith, emphasizing that salvation in its entirety—including the faith to receive it—originates from God.
Historical Context
Paul wrote Ephesians during his Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE) to address Gentile Christians who had been brought into the covenant community alongside Jewish believers. The letter addresses the theological implications of Jew-Gentile unity in the church and the foundation of this new community in God's grace rather than ethnic identity or law-keeping.
The emphasis on salvation by grace alone would have been particularly significant for Gentile converts who might have felt pressure to adopt Jewish customs or might have wondered about their standing before God without adherence to the Mosaic law. This passage provides assurance that their salvation rests on divine grace alone.
The concept of grace as divine gift contrasts with Greco-Roman reciprocal gift-giving, where gifts created obligations and expectations of return. Paul emphasizes that God's grace creates no obligation because it cannot be repaid—it is pure gift motivated by divine love.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding salvation as entirely God's gift affect human pride and the tendency toward spiritual self-righteousness?
- What is the relationship between faith and works if salvation is by grace alone, and how does this understanding shape Christian living?
- How should the doctrine of salvation by grace alone influence evangelism and the church's approach to social action?
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