For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
For {G1063} by grace {G5485} are ye {G2075} saved {G4982} through {G1223} faith {G4102}; and {G2532} that {G5124} not {G3756} of {G1537} yourselves {G5216}: it is the gift {G1435} of God {G2316}:
For you have been delivered by grace through trusting, and even this is not your accomplishment but God’s gift.
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,
for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
-
Romans 3:22
Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: -
Romans 3:26
To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. -
Ephesians 2:5
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) -
Romans 4:16
Therefore [it is] of faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, -
John 1:12
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name: -
John 1:13
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. -
Romans 10:17
So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) stands as a foundational verse in Christian theology, succinctly encapsulating the essence of salvation. It declares that salvation is not a result of human effort or merit, but entirely a gracious act of God, received through faith.
Context
This verse is part of Paul's profound explanation to the believers in Ephesus regarding their spiritual transformation. In the preceding verses (Ephesians 2:1-3), Paul describes their former state as spiritually "dead in trespasses and sins," children of wrath. He then introduces God's immense love and mercy, which "made us alive together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:5). Verse 8 serves as a pivotal summary, immediately followed by the crucial clarification in Ephesians 2:9 that salvation is "not of works, lest any man should boast." This context emphasizes the stark contrast between human inability and divine initiative.
Key Themes
The primary means of salvation is grace, from the Greek word charis, which signifies God's unearned and undeserved kindness and favor. It highlights that humanity has done nothing to earn salvation; it flows purely from God's benevolent character. This concept is central to understanding the biblical doctrine of justification.
To be "saved" (Greek: sesosmenoi, a perfect passive participle) means to be delivered from the penalty and power of sin, reconciled to God, and granted eternal life. The perfect tense indicates a completed action with ongoing results, assuring believers of their secure standing in Christ.
While grace is the source, faith (Greek: pistis) is the instrument through which this divine gift is received. Faith here is not a work, but a trusting reliance on God's provision through Christ. It is a humble acceptance of what God has already accomplished, as seen in John 3:16.
The phrase "and that not of yourselves" emphatically removes any possibility of human contribution to salvation. It underscores that neither grace nor faith (as a meritorious act) originate from human ability or effort. This directly counters any notion of salvation by works or self-righteousness.
Salvation is explicitly declared "the gift of God." This reinforces its nature as a free, unearned present from the Creator. Like any true gift, it cannot be bought or earned, only accepted. This truth provides immense assurance and removes all grounds for boasting, aligning with the teaching in Titus 3:5 that we are saved "not by works of righteousness which we have done."
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "grace," charis, is fundamental. It contrasts sharply with human merit or deserving. The term "saved," sesosmenoi, being a perfect passive participle, emphasizes that salvation is an action completed by God upon us, with lasting effects. The "that" in "and that not of yourselves" refers to the entire concept of "being saved through faith," indicating that the whole process, including the enablement to believe, is a divine endowment, not a human achievement.
Practical Application
Ephesians 2:8 has profound implications for Christian living:
Reflection
This powerful verse beautifully summarizes the heart of the Gospel. It underscores God's boundless love and mercy, His initiative in providing salvation, and the simple means by which it is received: humble faith. It frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and invites us into a relationship founded on His incredible grace.