Ephesians 2:8
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Saved by Grace Through Faith
Everyone loves receiving gifts — but the greatest gift ever given didn’t come wrapped in paper or tied with a bow. It came through the cross. In Ephesians 2:8, Paul reminds believers that salvation is not earned, not deserved, but freely given by God’s grace.
This verse captures the heart of Christianity: We are saved by grace, through faith, for good works — not by works.
1. The Source of Our Salvation — God’s Grace
“For by grace you have been saved…”
- Grace means unmerited favor. It’s God giving us what we don’t deserve.
- We didn’t seek Him first; He sought us.
- Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Illustration:
Imagine a man drowning in the ocean, unable to save himself. God’s grace is like the lifeguard diving in to rescue him — not because he earned it, but because he needed saving.
Application:
- Grace is not a license to sin; it’s the power to live free from sin.
- Grace doesn’t excuse us; it transforms us.
- Every believer should walk daily in gratitude for that grace.
2. The Means of Our Salvation — Through Faith
“…through faith…”
Faith is the channel, not the cause. It’s how we receive what God offers.
- Faith is trusting in what Jesus has done — not what we can do.
- Faith says, “I can’t save myself, but I believe Jesus can.”
Hebrews 11:6: “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
Illustration:
When you sit in a chair, you trust it will hold your weight. That’s faith. Salvation works the same way — you rest in Christ’s finished work on the cross.
Application:
- Our faith is only as strong as its object — and our faith rests in Christ.
- Don’t let doubt stop you from trusting God’s promises.
- Faith begins when we stop relying on ourselves.
3. The Nature of Our Salvation — It’s a Gift
“…and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
- Salvation is not a paycheck; it’s a gift.
- We cannot buy it, bargain for it, or earn it.
- Titus 3:5: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.”
Illustration:
If someone gave you a birthday gift and you tried to pay for it, you would insult the giver. In the same way, trying to earn salvation dishonors God’s grace.
Application:
- Stop striving — start receiving.
- Salvation is secure because it depends on God, not you.
- Gratitude should move us to serve God joyfully, not fearfully.
4. The Result of Our Salvation — A Changed Life (Ephesians 2:10)
Though verse 8 emphasizes grace, verse 10 reminds us that grace produces good works.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…”
- Grace doesn’t lead to laziness; it leads to transformation.
- True faith always bears fruit.
Illustration:
A tree doesn’t bear fruit to become alive; it bears fruit because it is alive. Likewise, we do good works because we have already been made alive in Christ.
Conclusion
Salvation is:
- By grace — God’s part.
- Through faith — our response.
- Not of works — so no one can boast.
Let this truth sink deep: You are saved, not because of what you do, but because of what Jesus has done.
Invitation:
If you’ve never received this gift, open your heart to Him today.
If you are saved, live every day in awe of His grace — and let that grace shape your life, your worship, and your witness.
Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!
BIBLE FACTS OF THE DAY 
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