“I’m a good person, I give to the poor, and I don’t cheat or steal.” We often find ourselves rehearsing these words when thinking about why we should get into heaven. Unfortunately, no amount of work or effort can get us into heaven. Ephesians 2:8-10 emphasizes that we are saved through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by our own works or effort.
Historical Background:
The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Ephesians to the church in Ephesus. Ephesus was a wealthy and influential city located in modern-day Turkey. The people of Ephesus were diverse, consisting of both Jews and Gentiles. In his letter, Paul addressed the importance of unity in the church and the need for believers to live a life worthy of their calling.
The Message of Ephesians 2:8-10:
Verse 8: “For by grace you have been saved” refers to the fact that salvation is a gift from God that we do not deserve but receive purely out of His grace and mercy.
“Through faith” emphasizes that it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that we can be saved.
“And that not of yourselves” means that our salvation is not something we can earn or achieve on our own.
“It is the gift of God” This highlights the fact that our salvation is a gift from God that we receive through faith in Jesus Christ.
Verse 9: “Not of works, lest anyone should boast” means that we cannot boast about our achievements or efforts regarding salvation.
Verse 10: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,” emphasizes that our salvation is not just for our benefit but also for the good works that God has prepared for us to do.
Consider:
A new believer named David recently came to faith in Jesus Christ but struggled with the idea that salvation was a gift from God and not something he could earn.
One day, David met an older gentleman who had been a Christian at his church for many years. The two started talking, and the older gentleman asked David how he was doing with his faith.
David expressed concerns about feeling like he had to earn salvation through his good works. The older gentleman listened patiently and then shared the truth of Ephesians 2:8-10 with David. He explained that it was only through faith in Jesus Christ that we can be saved and that good works are the natural result of our salvation, not the cause of it.
David was relieved to hear this truth and began understanding the depth of God’s grace and mercy towards him. He realized he didn’t have to be perfect or earn his way into heaven but that his salvation was a gift from God, freely given through faith in Jesus Christ.
From that day forward, David lived with a newfound sense of peace and freedom in his faith. He focused on growing in his relationship with God and pursuing the good works that God had prepared for him to do.
Applying His Word to Life:
- How can you allow the truth of salvation by grace to influence your daily life and actions?
- What practical ways can you share the message of salvation by grace with others?
- How can you grow in understanding and appreciating the gift of salvation by grace?
Lesson Topic Questions:
- Why is it important for Christians to understand that salvation is a gift from God and not something we can earn or achieve on our own?
- How does the truth of salvation by grace impact our relationship with God and others?
- In what ways can we live a life that reflects our understanding of salvation by grace?
- How can we share the message of salvation by grace with others clearly and understandably?
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Get more information and more lessons in the New Believers Bible Study here!
