A gift we cannot afford
Ephesians 2:8
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”
Biblical Context
To understand this verse in depth, it is important to place it within the broader context of the letter to the Ephesians. Paul, the apostle who wrote this letter, was addressing a church in Ephesus, a city with a rich pagan history and a strong Greek cultural influence.
In the preceding verses, Paul describes the spiritual condition of the Ephesians before they met Christ: they were dead in their trespasses and sins. However, God, in his great mercy, made them to live together with Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5).
“For by grace you have been saved.”
Salvation, that is, reconciliation with God and eternal life, is a free gift from God. It is not something we can earn by our good works, merits or law-keeping. It is a gift given to us by God's grace.
“through faith":
Faith is the instrument by which we receive this gift. Belief in Jesus Christ and his work on the cross is what unites us to God and saves us.
“and that not of yourselves":
Salvation is not the result of our own efforts, but is a gift from God alone through Jesus Christ. No matter how “good” we are, or how good our works are, we cannot save ourselves.
“for it is the gift of God":
Salvation is a free gift from God. We cannot buy it or earn it.