God's Grace and Man's Salvation
Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:…


1. The ground of all our salvation is the free favour of God. Much comfort for us in this; for if our salvation be of mere grace, and depend not on our own worth, endeavour, and holiness, why should we fear? If it were for anything in us to be procured, we might utterly despair; but since it is of God, we may boldly accept, and confidently trust in this free grace of God, although we are unworthy of it. It is not true humility, but a foolish pride, to put away, and judge ourselves unworthy of this salvation, whereof it has pleased God (in rich mercy) to deem us worthy.

2. To the full glorifying of us in heaven, all is from the free, mere grace of God. He does nothing by halves. What He has begun, He will complete (Philippians 1:6).

3. God's grace and man's faith ever stand together (Galatians 3:22; John 3:16). To this it may be objected that the grace of God cannot stand with anything in man. How then (you will ask) can it stand with faith? Answer: It is true, that the grace of God does not brook anything inherent in man, and of man; and yet, notwithstanding, it may well agree with faith. For(1) Faith is not of man, no, not in man by nature; but it is in man renewed, and as a gift of mere grace.

(2) Faith does not justify, as it is an inherent quality in us, but as it apprehends Christ Jesus the Redeemer.

(3) Faith receives only, and shows to God the righteousness and merit of Christ.

(4) It is therefore the Lord's grace that accepts faith for the righteousness of the believer.

4. No power in man can quicken him; and no virtue, quality, or dignity, when he is quickened, can merit his salvation.

(Paul Bayne.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

WEB: for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,




God's Gift
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