Salvation Not Earned by Works

Ephesians 2:8 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
⁸For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this^[1] is not of your own doing, it is the gift of God;

This verse emphasizes the fact that salvation or being made right with God and receiving eternal life, is not something that can be earned or achieved through human effort. Instead, it is a gift from God that is received through faith.

The phrase “this is not from yourselves” is particularly significant, as it underscores the fact that salvation is not something that we can achieve on our own. It is not based on our works or merit but is entirely a gift from God.

This verse also highlights the role of faith in salvation, stating that it is through faith that we receive this gift. Faith is defined as trust or confidence in God and His promises, and it is through faith that we are able to receive and experience the gift of salvation.

Overall, this verse is a powerful reminder of the grace and love of God, and the fact that salvation is not something that we can earn or achieve on our own but is a gift that is received through faith in Jesus.

For by grace you have been saved – The phrase “by grace” refers to God’s unmerited favor towards humanity. It means that salvation is not something that we can earn or deserve on our own merit, but rather it is a gift that God freely gives to us. The verb “have been saved” indicates that this salvation is a past event that has already happened.
Through faith – The phrase “through faith” indicates that faith plays a role in our salvation. We must have faith in God and in His plan of salvation in order to receive the gift of salvation.
And this is not your own doing – The phrase “not your own doing” indicates that our salvation is not something that we can achieve on our own. It is not based on our own efforts or works, but rather it is a gift from God.
It is the gift of God – The phrase “the gift of God” emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, and not something that we can earn or deserve. It is something that God freely gives to us out of His love and grace.

Again, this verse teaches us that salvation is a gift from God that we receive through faith, and it is not something that we can achieve on our own. It is a result of God’s grace and His love for humanity.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the historical and cultural context of the letter to the Ephesians, the concept of grace was likely a new and unfamiliar idea to many of the readers. In the Jewish tradition, salvation was often thought of as something that was earned through obedience to the Law and good works. However, the author of Ephesians is teaching that salvation is not based on our own efforts or works, but rather it is a gift from God that is received through faith.

[1] That is, this salvation