Sermon Cloud

Ephesians 2:8-10

Martin Luther was perhaps the most devout monk in the Catholic church. As devout as he was, Luther struggled with a guilty conscience to the extent that he was constantly accounting, confessing, and punishing himself for his sins. In spite of this, he could never find peace. However, by studying the Word of God directly, Martin Luther discovered that men are saved by God's grace rather than by their works. This truth lay in stark contrast to what the Catholic church was teaching. As a result, a great reformation was launched when Luther published his 95 theses, which documented the inconsistencies between the teachings of the Catholic church and the truths of God's Word in the Bible.

Among the many verses in the Bible pertaining to salvation, one of the best known passages  is found Ephesians 2:8-10. In Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus, he gives a clear explanation of God's plan for salvation - specifically, how and why a person is saved. Paul also teaches us about the relationship between faith and works and warns us all about the heretical beliefs of legalism (it is possible to do good works to earn salvation) and antinomianism (it is possible to be saved without doing any good works), for either of these beliefs can consign a person to hell. In combating these heresies, Paul recognized the importance of maintaining a balance between the truths that a person is saved by grace apart from good works and a person who is saved will do good works.

In Ephesians 2:8-10, Paul placed these two vital truths side-by-side to provide us with a clear understanding of the role that faith and works play in God's work to save and sanctify us. He explains 1) How we are saved - Justification (vv. 8-9), and 2) Why we are saved - Sanctification (v. 10). We are God's workmanship and it is God Who works within us. We were created by God in Christ Jesus for good works - not as a result of works, but for good works.

By studying the Bible, the reformers came up with a marvelous phrase to describe how faith and works work together. "A person is justified by faith alone, but faith that justifies is never alone." So, the reformers are reminding us that saving faith is always followed up and expressed by a life of good works. This spiritual concept signifies that we are totally dependent on God for our salvation as well as our spiritual development, which in turn, is exemplified by good works in us. Paul effectively stated his (and our) position before the Lord in 1 Corinthians 15:9 (NASB): "For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me."

You are what you are by the grace of God and the grace of God alone!