Title Page

Title Page

Lesson Two

Ephesians 2:1-3

Ephesians 2:1-31 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 2:4-7

Ephesians 2:4-74 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:8-11

Ephesians 2:8-118 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

Ephesians 2:12-13

Ephesians 2:12-1312 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

Focus Verse

Ephesians 2:8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.

Focus Thought

By grace we are saved and granted the ability to do God’s will.

IntroductionIntroduction

Grace is the most powerful force humanity will ever encounter. Grace, unlike other powers that humans have harnessed, deals with both the visible and tangible and also tames and reforms the impulses of the human soul. It is said that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, but it is not so with grace. Though powerful, grace is gentle. It cleanses us and enables us, and when we recognize it for what it is, it humbles us. We can ponder it intellectually, but we possibly will never totally understand it. Grace truly is amazing!

I. Grace Defined .AGrace Defined

A. God’s Sovereign Favor

It is commonly held that grace is the unmerited favor of God. Though this does not exhaust the meaning of grace, it certainly is a part of grace. Practically, grace is the disposition of God that allows mankind to have a relationship with Him. Grace is the manifest character of God that facilitates a relationship between Him, a holy God, and us, sinful creatures. Though created in His image, we humans are fallen. And in our fallen state, we are unable to have a relationship with God. We deserve nothing from God but judgment.

I. Grace Defined .AAccordingly, there are fundamentally two ways we can encounter God: through judgment or through grace. Since all humans stand condemned before Him (Romans 3:10, 23), we deserve nothing but judgment. Ephesians 2 describes the human condition as death, but God gives life to us. In other words, we have no ability to help ourselves spiritually any more than a dead person can help himself. God’s intervention in our lives is purely an act of grace. Not only do we not deserve His benevolence, we have no power to effect spiritual change in our lives.

I. Grace Defined .BB. Man’s Undeserved Privilege

As condemned and rebellious creatures, humans deserve nothing from God. Grace is the undeserved benevolence that God extends to humans. We can neither earn God’s favor nor bargain for it. David expressed the wonder of grace in Psalm 8:4 when he stated, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” As estranged sinners, rebels against God, it boggles the mind to consider that God would be mindful of us. It would be just as easy for God to destroy humanity and begin anew, but grace says no! Grace grants privileges that we do not deserve.

I. Grace Defined .CC. Power to Accomplish

God’s Purpose

God’s grace is not mere pity. Grace is not a passive ignorance of our sin. God’s grace empowers us. His grace does not merely pass over sin and shortcomings; it enables us to rise above those shortcomings and live in a way that brings glory to Him. Paul proclaimed, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). In other words, God’s grace empowers us to do the right things and also to desire the right things.

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .

Salvation Is Not by Works

As sinners we have incurred a debt we cannot pay. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves from the condemnation that is upon us. Even so, there is a strong urge in humans to try to appease God through positive actions. Many people wrongly think that if they do certain things they will earn God’s favor. However, Scripture is emphatic that we are not saved by our works; we are saved by God’s grace.

Ephesians 2:8

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is

the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .The imagery in Ephesians 2 is that we are

spiritually dead. Accordingly, we do not have the capacity to act in spiritual ways or in a way that will effect our salvation. It is impossible for us to save ourselves.

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .A

A. Works Defined

No human effort will bring salvation. If it could, we would not need grace. We are absolutely dependent upon the saving, gracious work of Jesus Christ (John 3:16; 8:24; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Hebrews 10:26). Only a person’s acknowledgment and appropriation of this work can bring salvation.

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .AIn the apostle Paul’s writings, he usually used the

word translated as “works” to refer to the works of the law. (See Galatians 2:16; 3:1-3, 4-5, 10.) Paul often contrasted the Old Testament law with salvation through Jesus Christ. Under the Old Covenant, the sacrificial system of Mosaic law was the only means of approaching and appeasing God for mankind’s sinful nature, but the entire process pointed toward a better day and a better sacrifice.

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .ANow that Christ has come and provided that eternal

sacrifice for sin, He is the only means of receiving forgiveness of sins and salvation. To revert to the law is inadequate for salvation; no amount of works will substitute for possessing faith in Jesus Christ.

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .AJesus Christ fulfilled the law. His sacrifice is the

only means of salvation. It is impossible to appeal to the law for redemption. Quoting Deuteronomy 27:26, Paul reminded his readers of the curse that is upon anyone who does not fulfill the entire law (Galatians 3:10). Fulfilling the entire law without exception at all times is impossible. Therefore, appealing to the law for salvation is self-condemning.

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .B

B. Works Produce Pride

Human effort produces pride. If we could save ourselves by what we do, we would boast. Indeed, this is what happens when people try to earn the salvation or merit of God. People become competitive in performing righteous acts to try to prove their spirituality. This seems to have been part of the difficulty with the Pharisees during the time of Christ.

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .BThey were proud of their prayers, their tithing,

their ability to trace their lineage back to Abraham, and their public appearances of righteousness. They possessed spiritual pride, which Jesus often confronted.

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .BThere is a tendency in humans to try to save

themselves. Further, there is a tendency for individuals to demonstrate their acts of righteousness publicly so that others will see and recognize them as righteous and spiritual individuals.

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .B

Paul confronted this attitude in the Galatian churches. There were those who insisted on keeping certain aspects of the law of Moses, but Paul warned the churches of their motives. Further, he directly associated works of the flesh and pride, claiming that their motivation for keeping such rules was so “that they may glory in your flesh” (Galatians 6:13). In the next verse, Paul refocused the attention on the saving power of Christ’s sacrifice: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14).

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .BThe New Testament clearly sets forth the finished

work of Calvary as the only means of salvation. It is Christ’s work alone that saves us. In Romans 3:23-27 Paul spoke expressly of this wonderful salvation:

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .B(1) All have sinned and come short of God’s glory

(Romans 3:23); (2) Justification is God’s free gift of grace in

Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24); (3) Christ paid the price on behalf of our sins

(Romans 3:25); (4) God is declared just as our justifier (Romans

3:26).

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .BPaul concluded that the gospel is a reality that

leaves no room for spiritual pride: “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith” (Romans 3:27).

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .C

C. Works Produce Comparison

The natural result of pride is comparison. In fact, comparison is the essence of pride. Righteous acts are not the source of a person’s pride; rather, the source of his pride is his sense that he has more or better righteous acts than others. Again, Paul sharply warned of the dangers of such attitudes: “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another” (Galatians 6:3-4).

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .CBy comparing ourselves with others, it is easy to

compare what we can do in ourselves. Then, the standard of comparison becomes those who seem to be less righteous than we. Paul stated that our attention should not be on the righteousness of others or on comparing ourselves with others; rather, our focus should be on our own lives and how we measure up to Christ’s pattern.

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .CIf we fail to understand that grace is a free gift of

God, it becomes easy to focus on our own abilities. This naturally leads us to compare ourselves with others for justification. Paul warned of this: “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (II Corinthians 10:12). 

II. Salvation Is Not by Works .D

D. Works Produce Self-reliance

If our own works can save us, then we become self-reliant. This is counter to the clear teaching of Scripture that we are saved by grace through faith. If faith is required, one cannot rely on himself. Three times the New Testament cites Habakkuk’s message that the just must live by faith (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38). The requirement of faith mandates that our reliance is external and not self-reliant. We are relying solely on the saving grace of Jesus Christ and none other.

III. Salvation Is by Grace ASalvation Is by Grace

A. Common Grace

Everyone continually experiences the grace of God. Grace allows sinners to exist in a world created by a holy God. Grace is also what preserves a sense of conscience in the human race. God fills the universe, and He is inescapable. As Paul said in Athens, affirming the poetry of their day, it is in God that “we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

III. Salvation Is by Grace AA. Common Grace

This common grace has been enjoyed by everyone. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). Although all may not recognize the grace of God, His grace is abundantly displayed throughout human existence.  

James 1:17“Every good gift and every perfect

gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of

turning” (James 1:17).

Matthew 5:45

“He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on

the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).

III. Salvation Is by Grace BB. Special Grace

There are also more specific acts of God’s grace. This grace is not experienced by everyone, but only those whom God calls to special relationship and those who respond to God’s call. God’s election of Israel is an example of special grace. For reasons of redemption and bringing the Messiah into the world, God set Israel apart, working through the nation in special ways. This does not mean that God did not work in other nations; certainly, He did. It only means that God had a special purpose for Israel, and He interacted with them accordingly.

III. Salvation Is by Grace BNew Testament salvation also reveals the special grace of God. Everyone experiences the common grace of God that is available to all humans, but there is special, saving grace that is available only to those who are willing to repent of their sins, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the Holy Spirit.

III. Salvation Is by Grace CC. Prevenient Grace

God’s grace was at work in our lives before we ever turned to Him. Moreover, it is His grace that enables us to turn to Him. Some individuals refer to grace that we receive prior to our salvation, which leads to our salvation, as prevenient grace.

III. Salvation Is by Grace CIt is a mistake to think that we decided to repent of our sins by our own accord. Without the prevenient grace of God we could not have had the desire or strength to repent. Of the saints in Achaia, Luke wrote that they “believed through grace” (Acts 18:27). Moreover, Jesus said, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44). Paul clearly stated that it is the goodness of God that leads people to repentance (Romans 2:4). God calls and draws individuals to Himself (John 12:32).

III. Salvation Is by Grace CGod is at work in other ways long before sinners repent. It was the prevenient grace of God that orchestrated Calvary. It is the prevenient grace of God at work to call, equip, and send ministers out to preach. Acts 16:9 records Paul’s vision of a Macedonian pleading for help. Long before people hear the gospel, God’s grace is at work calling men and women into evangelistic and missionary service.

III. Salvation Is by Grace DD. Obedience as a

Faith Response

Salvation by grace through faith does not alleviate human responsibility. Although we cannot save ourselves, we must exercise faith that complies with God’s commands. Obedience to God’s commands is not salvation by works, for it is His commands we are obeying and we do so fully trusting that if we do what God has commanded, He will honor our obedience. Even so, it is not the physical acts of obedience that save us; it is God’s grace that saves us.

III. Salvation Is by Grace DIf we go through the motions of obeying His commands without faith, we will not receive His grace. When we respond in faith through obedience, our faith in God makes our obedience effectual. For example, water baptism is part of the new birth (Mark 16:16; John 3:5; Acts 2:38), but if a person has not repented of his sins or if he does not have faith in Jesus Christ, baptism is meaningless for him. It is not the mere act of obeying a command that saves us. It is effectual only when obedience is mixed with absolute compliance to God’s Word and faith.

III. Salvation Is by Grace DNumerous passages in the New Testament present obedience as an essential expression of faith, and this is entirely different from one trusting in his own works for salvation. (See Acts 6:7; Romans 1:5; 2:13; 10:16; 15:18; 16:26; II Thessalonians 1:7-8; Hebrews 5:9; James 1:22; I Peter 4:17.)

IV. Amazing Grace—Our Privilege A

Amazing Grace—Our Privilege

Grace is not a debt God owes to humanity; it is God’s mere benevolence to draw us back into a relationship with Him. Accordingly, experiencing the grace of God is the most incredible privilege.

IV. Amazing Grace—Our Privilege A

A. Justified

The greatest privilege afforded us by grace is justification, which restores our relationship with God. As God reaches down in grace, we reach up in faith. When grace and faith unite, God justifies the sinner. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

IV. Amazing Grace—Our Privilege AThe fact that sinners have an opportunity to be

restored in their relationship with God is amazing. We do not deserve it; we cannot earn it; we cannot achieve it by our own works. To be justified is to be counted as just in the eyes of God, and it is possible only through the grace of God. (See Acts 2:37-39; Romans 3:24-25; 5:1-2; I Corinthians 6:9-11; Titus 3:4-7.) 

IV. Amazing Grace—Our Privilege B

B. Gentiles Have the Same Privilege as Jews

Under the Old Covenant, God chose the Jews for a special purpose. The Hebrew nation had an exclusive covenant with God to be an example of separation unto God. They were also the chosen nation through whom God would reveal the Messiah. As a result, they had special promises from God. Paul described this privileged status: “Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen” (Romans 9:4-5).

IV. Amazing Grace—Our Privilege B

On the other hand, the Scriptures described Gentiles as being outsiders: “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12).

IV. Amazing Grace—Our Privilege B

But grace changes everything! “But now in Christ Jesus ye [Gentiles] who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). Prior to Calvary there were two classes of people. But by the Cross, He “hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us” (Ephesians 2:14). By the grace of God, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

IV. Amazing Grace—Our Privilege B

What a glorious privilege that we who were not a people have now been reconciled to God! “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect” (Hebrews 12:22-23). 

V. Amazing Grace—Our Responsibility

Amazing Grace—Our Responsibility

Many limit grace to the work of salvation, but grace goes beyond the initial pardoning of sin. Grace is not a single impartation but a continual enabling by the power of God. It preserves, equips, and empowers.

V. Amazing Grace—Our Responsibility

Grace is not merely the lens through which God views us (justification), but it is His enabling power to do His will.

V. Amazing Grace—Our Responsibility A

A. Our Responsibility to God

Grace so changes the way people live that its effects are observable. When the Jerusalem church sent Barnabas to inspect the revival outside Judea, he was able to observe the effects of grace there: “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord” (Acts 11:23). The grace of God changes lives, and it also places demands on those who receive it.

V. Amazing Grace—Our Responsibility AGrace should produce supreme devotion to God. Grace calls us to a commitment that requires that we adhere to certain beliefs and practices. If we deny this devotion, it is possible for us to resist and forfeit God’s grace in our lives. (See Galatians 5:4; Jude 4.) Acts 13:43 indicates that people have a choice whether to continue in God’s grace or to depart from it. God’s grace requires a decisive response.

II Corinthians 6:17

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the

Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you”

(II Corinthians 6:17).

I Peter 1:15-16

“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written,

Be ye holy; for I am holy” (I Peter 1:15-16).

V. Amazing Grace—Our Responsibility AGrace enables us for Christian service (Romans 12:6), teaches us how to live and mature (II Peter 3:18), builds us up (Acts 20:32), and compels us to do good works (Ephesians 2:8-10). 

V. Amazing Grace—Our Responsibility B

B. Our Responsibility to Others

As believers, we are conduits through whom God’s grace can flow. Just as we have received grace, we are to minister grace to others. Our speech should be gracious and edifying with the intent of building up others (Ephesians 4:29). Peter went so far as to say that we are stewards, or managers, of the manifold grace of God (I Peter 4:10). We should share the gospel so that those who have not received God’s grace can have the opportunity to do so.

V. Amazing Grace—Our Responsibility BFurther, just as we have received unmerited divine favor, we too should grant unmerited favor. Jesus told many parables about grace, and some of them, such as the parable of the prodigal son, were offensive to the Pharisees. When we have opportunities to extend grace, it often is offensive to some individuals. Simple acts, like giving a generous tip for bad service or letting a driver in front of us who has raced to the head of the line, are small ways that we can grant grace to the undeserving.

ReflectionsPaul, who claimed to be the chief of sinners, said much about grace. He learned through trials that God’s grace was sufficient for all his circumstances (II Corinthians 12:9). Like Paul, we should be able to gladly confess, “But by the grace of God I am what I am” (I Corinthians 15:10). Thank God for His amazing, saving grace!