1. Studies in Ephesians Ephesians 2:4-10

2. Ephesians 2:1-3 We were dead in trespasses Sins, walking according to the course of this world Sons of disobedience By nature, children of wrath

3. Our last lesson (4-7) A God of mercy, love and kindness We were made alive in Christ “By grace you have been saved” (vs. 5) Grace is God’s part – He does what we cannot do Not just alive, but raised up together, sitting in heavenly places

4. Saved by grace through faith (8-9) Grace – God’s part (summarizing our context) Up to this point, Paul has not dealt with anything we do to receive the gift of God’s grace – salvation.

5. Saved by grace through faith (8-9) Faith – Paul appeals to man’s part in his salvation. Faith – trusting God (not merely trusting in God) and believing God (not merely believing in God)

6. Saved by grace through faith (8-9) Faith – man’s part. Belief means we will obey! John 14:15, 1 John 5:1-3

7. Saved by grace through faith (8-9) Faith – man’s part. John 3:36, “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” “Believes” πιστεύω (pisteuo) “Does not believe” ἀ πειθέω (apeitheo) does not obey! Obedience is tied to belief! ἀ πειθέω, “Unbelieving” Hebrews 11:31 Acts 19:9, 14:2 Always in a context of rejection and rebellion

8. Saved by grace through faith (8-9) Faith – man’s part. “And that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” Salvation is not and CANNOT be earned! It is a gift. Luke 17:10 But you must accept it (by faith)

9. Saved by grace through faith (8-9) Faith – man’s part. “not of works, lest anyone should boast” This is WHY we cannot earn our salvation – lest we brag! That implies a certain TYPE of works.

10. Saved by grace through faith (8-9) Faith – man’s part. How does this apply to baptism? Isn’t baptism a work? Yes, but not meritorious. It is a work in the same way faith is a work – 1 Thess. 1:3, 2 Thess. 1:11, James 2:14-18

11. Saved by grace through faith (8-9) Faith – man’s part. Belief is a work – John 6:28-29 Jesus said, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him who sent Me.” If Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches no type of work is involved in our salvation, then belief is not necessary according to Jesus

12. Saved by grace through faith (8-9) Faith – man’s part. Baptism is a work of faith! Colossians 2:11-12, raised with Him through faith in the working of God. 1 Peter 3:21, “not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God” Baptism is about believing God and His promises

13. We are His workmanship (10) First, He created us! Psa. 100:3, Gen. 1:26 Our salvation is His work! “Chosen”, “predestined”, “redeemed”, “holy”, “adopted”, etc. (That is why we emphasize His grace) Col. 2:12, Eph. 4:24

14. We are His workmanship (10) Created in Christ Jesus for good works – our faith is NOT about mere mental assent! Our lives must be changed! James 2:14-24

15. We are His workmanship (10) Which God prepared before hand We must be busy Titus 2:14, 3:1, 8, 14 John 15:1-8 God tells us what to do! “prepared beforehand”, do we need to follow His instructions??? 2 Tim. 3:16,17, Matt. 7:21-23, Luke 6:46

16. We are His workmanship (10) that we should walk in them. Our “walk” is about how we live and act Eph. 4:1 - worthy; Eph. 5:2 – in love, Eph. 5:8 – children of light, etc.

17. We are His workmanship (10) Condemnation awaits those who do not obey the gospel 1 Peter 4:17, Romans 2:8-9, Heb. 3:18-19 ἀ πειθέω (apeitheo) disobey!

18. God’s grace can make us alive in Him Have you responded to His grace?