Writing “to the saints who are at Ephesus” (Eph. 1:1), the Holy Spirit through Paul said, “by grace you have been saved…” (Eph. 2:8).
The word translated grace in Ephesians 2:8 (charis) can have varied meanings in Scripture. For instance, charis at times refers to thanks on the part of one receiving a gift (2 Cor. 9:15).
When speaking of God’s grace, the emphasis is on finding favor with God. A definition often used that fits the meaning in Ephesians 2:8 is “unmerited favor.” This emphasizes God doing something for us that is undeserved. It involves Him doing for us what we need, but cannot do for ourselves.
The unmerited nature of salvation is the key to Ephesians 2:8-9. Notice the full teaching in these two verses: for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.
While God requires good works to receive salvation (cf. Phil. 2:12), salvation is still a gift. It is not earned, and provides no basis for boasting in self (cf. Gal. 6:14).
The word “saved” in Ephesians 2:8 hints at why God’s grace is needed. While God’s grace makes all spiritual blessings possible, the foremost reason we need God’s grace is to be saved from sin and its consequences (cf. Rom. 5:9).
Without God’s grace, each of us would be hopelessly doomed for eternal torment in hell (Rom. 3:23; 6:23a). By grace, God planned a means by which we might have eternal life instead of being left to perish (John 3:16). God loves us to such an extent that He gave what was needed to offer us salvation.
The One God lovingly gave to offer us salvation from sin is His Son (Matt. 1:21).
While God planned the means by which we can be saved by grace and the Holy Spirit revealed this plan, Jesus is the embodiment of God’s grace (cf. 2 Tim. 1:9-10). Jesus’ work on earth is what God planned before the world began to offer us salvation by grace. “By the grace of God,” Jesus “taste[d] of death for everyone” (Heb. 2:9).
The fact that Jesus “taste[d] of death for everyone” shows that the salvation made possible by God’s grace is available to anyone who is willing to receive this gift.
This point is made in Titus 2:11, which says, “the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”
In spite of the choice each of us has made to rebel against God’s will, He still wants each of us to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4). As He looks on anyone who is in sin, He sees one who needs cleansing and healing (cf. 2 Pet. 3:9).
While God offers salvation by His grace to all, salvation is accessed by choice. Salvation is not forced upon anyone (i.e. “irresistible grace”). Rather, salvation by grace is accessed by faith (Rom. 5:2).
“Faith” in this context is a summary term that includes obedience to the Gospel (cf. Rom. 1:5; 16:26). Those who enjoy the full blessings God offers by His grace have chosen to become repentant believers, have been “baptized into Christ” (Gal. 3:27), and continually submit to the Lord’s will, lest they fall from grace (cf. Gal. 5:4).
Those who have done, and are continuing to do, what God requires to receive salvation have full access to the spiritual blessings God offers by His grace.
As the Holy Spirit through Paul emphasized to the saints at Ephesus, this choice is not cause for self-centered boasting. Rather, all the credit goes to God. His grace is cause for humility and gratitude. Moreover, His grace should motivate us to surrender fully to Him.
Though none of us deserve it, we can each be saved upon submitting to God, thanks to His amazing grace.
– Michael Hickox