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
What does Ephesians 2:8 mean?
Paul explains that salvation comes from God's grace, received through faith, and is not something a person achieves through their own effort. It's described explicitly as a gift, which by definition can't be earned.
Context
Ephesians 2 opens by describing humanity as spiritually 'dead in trespasses and sins' (v.1) before turning, in verse 4, to God's mercy and great love that makes people alive in Christ. Verses 8-9 summarize that whole movement — from death to life — as entirely grace-driven, closing with 'not of works, lest any man should boast' (v.9), which rules out self-earned salvation as the point.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Bible study
- What does it mean that salvation is 'the gift of God' and 'not of works'?
- How does the description of being 'dead in trespasses and sins' earlier in the chapter (v.1) sharpen what grace accomplishes?
- Why does Paul add 'lest any man should boast' right after this verse?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
Lord, thank You that my salvation rests on Your grace, not my own effort. Help me to receive it in faith and live in gratitude, not pride. Amen.
Memorize this verse
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Share this verse
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between grace and faith in this verse?
Grace is God's unearned gift; faith is the means by which a person receives it. Paul is clear that even the faith itself is part of what's given, not something self-generated to earn favor.
Why does Paul say salvation is 'not of works'?
To rule out the idea that a person can earn salvation through good deeds — the whole passage (Ephesians 2:1-10) frames salvation as God's initiative from beginning to end.