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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!