Ephesians 2:8 — “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
Grace is one of the most powerful and beautiful truths in the Bible. Ephesians 2:8 tells us that salvation is not something we can earn or deserve — it is a gift. This verse captures the heart of the Gospel: that we are saved not by our works, but by God’s love and mercy.
Grace Is God’s Gift
The word grace means “unmerited favor.” It is God giving us what we don’t deserve — forgiveness, love, and eternal life. None of us can be good enough to earn salvation. Romans 3:23 reminds us:
Romans 3:23 — “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
Grace is God reaching down to rescue us even when we were lost. It’s not about trying harder; it’s about trusting Him completely.
Faith Is Our Response
The verse continues, “through faith.” Faith is how we receive the gift of grace. It’s believing in Jesus Christ — His death, resurrection, and promises. Romans 10:9 explains this clearly:
Romans 10:9 — “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Faith is not a work; it’s trust. It’s like reaching out your hand to accept a gift that’s already been given. True faith changes how we live, not because we’re trying to earn favor, but because we’re thankful for the grace we’ve received.
Not by Works
Ephesians 2:9 continues this thought:
Ephesians 2:9 — “Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
God doesn’t want us to boast about what we’ve done. Instead, He wants us to boast in what He has done for us. Good works are not the cause of our salvation — they are the result. Once we are saved, we naturally want to serve, love, and obey God out of gratitude.
A Life Transformed by Grace
When we truly understand grace, it changes everything. We stop striving to be “good enough” and start resting in what Jesus has already finished. That freedom leads to peace and joy.
| Truth | Meaning | Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| Grace | God’s undeserved love | Titus 2:11 |
| Faith | Trust in Jesus Christ | Romans 10:9 |
| Gift | Salvation freely given | Romans 6:23 |
| Works | Result of salvation | James 2:17 |
Living in the Gift
Every day, we can live with gratitude for this gift. When guilt or doubt comes, remember — salvation doesn’t depend on how strong we are, but on how strong God’s grace is.
2 Corinthians 12:9 — “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Grace saves us, faith receives it, and good works reflect it. That’s the message of Ephesians 2:8 — the good news that continues to change hearts today.
