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"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Text: Ephesians 2:8-9

HOW ARE WE SAVED?

There are many ways to describe the salvation that God gives to us. We could make the following different statements and we would still be correct.

1. God’s Part in our Salvation

When we speak of the part of God the Father, we would be making a reference to:-

a) God choosing us to be holy and without blame. Ephesians 1:4

b) God predestining us to be His children. Ephesians 1:5

2. Jesus’ Part in our Salvation

When we speak of the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, we would be making a reference to:-

a) The redemption that we have through His blood. Ephesians 1:7

b) All promises and blessings are made possible because of Christ. Ephesians 1:3, 4, 5 etc

3. The Holy Spirit’s Part in our Salvation

When we speak of the Holy Spirit’s part, we would be making reference to:-

a) His being our Seal. Ephesians 1:13

b) His being our Guarantee. Ephesians 1:14

THE GRACE OF GOD HIGHLIGHTED

We need to remind ourselves that when we think of God’s grace, we must bear in mind the semantic field in which this word exists. Nevertheless, it is valid and good to single out for meditation and appreciation the grace of God.

1. Glory of His grace Ephesians 1:6

2. Riches of His grace Ephesians 1:7

3. Exceeding riches of His grace Ephesians 2:7

4. Saved by grace Ephesians 2:5, 8

WHEN DOES SALVATION TAKE PLACE?

Paul’s construction of this statement is most enlightening and encouraging. In the phrase, “For by grace you have been saved” Paul enlightens us concerning our salvation. We have already been saved (The phrase “you have been saved” {“sesomenoi”} translates just one word in the Greek text. The use of the perfect tense highlights a great truth. Our salvation has already been assured.) and appreciate our salvation in Christ Jesus.