Ephesians 2:4-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith
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The Gospel in a Nutshell
Ephesians 2:4-9 gives us a clear understanding of the Gospel of Christ: Salvation is a free gift that is only received by the unmerited grace of God. God's grace is only obtained through faith in the complete works of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. The Gospel unequivocally states that we cannot save ourselves through works and good deeds, regardless of how righteous we may think we are: Our righteousness is as filthy rags to God. Therefore, the message of the Gospel is designed to humble us, leading us to repentance as we begin to grasp the depths of God's goodness and mercy.
Beware of "Dead Works"
The allure of "dead works" is subtle and insidious, as one Christian author Bob Yandian aptly described in his book The Spirit-Controlled Life. It creeps into our faith, often without us realizing it. The apostle Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia highlights the danger of false brethren infiltrating the church and leading believers astray from the Gospel toward legalism. However, God, in His mercy, uses messengers like Paul to reiterate the fundamental truth: salvation is a gift freely given, not something we earn through our deeds or human effort.
The Finished Work of Christ
Jesus secured our salvation when He laid down His life for our benefit. He fully paid the wages of sin which is death, hereby settling the debt we owed. While hanging on the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished.” This statement marked the end of His redemptive work. So, if that is the case, how can we pay for what has already been paid for? The Good News of the Gospel would not be "good news" if we had to work for it. It is a gift received solely because of God's grace. Therefore, faith in Jesus is what produces good works, not the other way around.
Romans 6:23 NKJV - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Gospel Leaves No Room for Boasting
1 Corinthians 1:29-31 NKJV - that no flesh should glory in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— 31 that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”
The Work of the Holy Spirit
It is crucial to understand that it is God's Spirit working within us—a gift received through faith in Jesus—that enables us to fulfil His will. He initiated the good work in us, and He alone is faithful to complete it. It is not our efforts but His Spirit that empowers us to live according to His purpose.
Philippians 1:6 NKJV - being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Philippians 2:13 NKJV - for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
The Necessity of Jesus
If we could save ourselves through our own actions, the very purpose of Christ's sacrifice would be nullified. Jesus, whose name means "Saviour," is our ultimate source of salvation. We must continually remember that our righteousness is like filthy rags, and we are utterly dependent on His grace. And If we forsake the grace of God, then Jesus Christ died in vain.
Galatians 2:21 NKJV - I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”
The Sweet Aroma of Grace
There is a discernible difference between those entangled in 'dead works' and those living under God's grace. Those who are deceived into pursuing dead works exude a noxious stench of pride and arrogance, whereas those who walk in faith and are under grace emit the sweet aroma of humility.
In conclusion, Ephesians 2:4-9 encapsulates the heart of the Gospel—a message of the unmerited grace of God, which is received only through faith in the finished work of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. This passage makes it clear that salvation is a gift we can never earn, and our righteousness is found in Christ alone.
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