SALVATION QUESTION #4. What about the fact that the Bible says we are saved by grace, and not by works? Ephesians 2: 8 – 9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. Many people believe that they are automatically saved if they express a belief in God. Anything else, such as water baptism in Jesus’ name, would be considered a “work” and thereby is rendered unnecessary. In light of everything we have covered so far in this Bible Study, let us take a closer look at this passage in proper context: Ephesians 2: 1 – 9 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. So what does Ephesians 2: 8, 9 really mean? Paul was reminding the church of the sinful, disobedient lives they once lived, and how they had been enslaved to their own fleshly desires. He then reminds them that God, who is rich in mercy, loved them so much that he provided a “life-line” in Jesus Christ to bring them out this bondage and into a new life. To be “saved by grace and not of works” simply means that there was nothing we could have done to be good enough, or to earn our Salvation. Our “good works” can never cover our sins. We need a Savior, and we need a plan of escape from our bondage to sin. There is a difference between working for your Salvation and being obedient to the plan of Salvation. Keep in mind that we are not merely saved by grace; we are saved by grace through faith. Biblical Faith has always called for obedience to God’s word. (See Hebrews 11) Paul said that we have received grace through our obedience to the faith. (Romans 1: 5) The church in Ephesus had already demonstrated their faith in Christ by being obedient to the faith. This epistle was a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church that was established in Ephesus. (Eph. 1: 1) It was written to people who were already part of the church, and already been born again. As a matter of fact, the Bible records the experience of the first converts in Ephesus. Ironically, it was Paul himself who brought the plan of Salvation to them: Acts 19: 1 – 6 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto Johns baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. In Acts 19, it was discovered by Paul that these disciples were still at the believing and repentance level. They had not yet heard about being born again – of water and of the Spirit. (John 3: 3 - 5) The life-line was held out to them. They were presented with the same Salvation plan that Peter preached in Acts 2: 38. Paul baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and then they received the gift of The Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in tongues. You may be like the disciples in Acts 19 – you believe in Jesus, and you have come to repentance. You probably have heard John 3: 16 a million times; but perhaps you have never been told about John 3: 5. Perhaps you have never been told about Acts 2: 38. I would like to ask you two questions: Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? How were you baptized? If you get baptized in the manner of The New Testament Church (through immersion in the name of Jesus Christ), it is a promise that you will receive the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost. This is not a denominational study or about getting you to join a particular church, this is a study about your Salvation. Be careful not to let a scripture taken out of context keep you from your New Birth experience. Grace does not nullify a life of holiness, as a matter of fact, it teaches holiness: Titus 2: 11 – 12 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age… In the same manner, Ephesians 2: 8 – 9 does not nullify Acts 2: 38, it helps us to appreciate the mercy and grace of God. When our feet touch the streets of gold, we will definitely know that it wasn’t because of our own good works, but by the amazing grace of God. @Back on Track Bible Studies - Rick Flores From Withstanding The Winds
Posted on: Fri, 30 May 2014 00:25:01 +0000
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