Ephesians                           by Dr. Ralph Wilson

Lesson 5

Salvation By Grace Through Faith (Ephesians 2:8-10)

The Need for a Rescue Operation (Ephesians 2:1-3)

1. Spiritual deadness (Ephesians 2:1) is caused by transgressions and sin.
2. Followers of our corrupt culture, followers of "the ways of this world" (Ephesians 2:2a).
3. Followers of Satan, "the ruler of the kingdom of the air" (Ephesians 2:2b) as dupes, unknowing adherents to a pride and attitude toward God that has its origins in the rebellious Snake himself (Genesis 3:1-7).
4. Self-indulgent, "gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts" (Ephesians 2:3a).
5. Under Divine judgment and righteous anger (Ephesians 2:3b). God is just. He is the epitome of justice and fairness which recognizes our rebellion and spiritual treason for what it is and passes judgment on us and our sins. We are loved, but under a sentence of death..

Results of Rescue (Ephesians 2:4-6)

1. His great love for us (Ephesians 2:4a).
2. His richness of mercy (Ephesians 2:4b).
3. A miracle of new birth ("alive together with Christ") in the place of our terminal spiritual deadness, "dead in transgressions" (Ephesians 2:5).
4. Elevation to a spiritual authority and position "in the heavenly realms" far above that of our tempter and his minions -- at the very right hand of God with Christ our Messiah (Ephesians 2:6).
5. Eternal kindness shown us forever and ever, on and on, extending into the far reaches of eternity, Christ delights in showing us kindness (Ephesians 2:7).

"Grace" Is More than a Girl's Name

Q18. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Why is it so hard for us to understand grace?

What commonly held life principle does it demolish?

Translate the word "grace" into language a 10-year-old child would understand.
 

Q19. (Ephesians 2:8-9) "Saved" has become Christian jargon. How can you "translate" this word into modern speech so people can understand what it really means and why they need it?
 

Working Our Way into the Good Graces of God (Ephesians 2:9)

A Self-Serving Righteousness

The Just Shall Live by Their Faith

If You're Good Enough You Can Go to Heaven

The Essential Marriage of Faith and Works

The Cart Comes after the Horse

Working Out our Destiny (Ephesians 2:10)

Q20. (Ephesians 2:10) According to Ephesians 2:10, what were we created to do?

Why? (Matthew 5:16)

What is the difference between these works and the works Paul discredits in verse 9?
 

This Not of Yourselves

Q21. (Ephesians 2:8-9) What exactly is faith? Can we take credit for having it?

Can we be condemned for lacking it?

Define "faith" in terms a 10-year-old could understand.
 

Influence without Coercion

Paraphrase

Prayer

Father, without your persistent grace towards us we would be truly lost and wandering far from you. But you have had mercy on our souls. You have wooed us, drawn us, and then enwrapped us in your arms. Thank you. Thank you. In Jesus' name, we thank you. Amen.

Key Verses

(Ephesians 2:8-10) "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."