Grace
Paul explains the mode of salvation (2:8–9) and the result of salvation (2:10) in this paragraph. He begins by discussing how an individual is actually saved. He has already discussed the human condition (2:1–3) and Jesus as the solution (2:4–7), so these verses serve to explain how a person can receive the salvation that is made possible through Christ. Paul states plainly that this salvation is rooted in God’s grace. He explains that no human effort can earn life in him; rather, it is only through faith in Jesus that salvation is possible. As a result of this saving, believers are enabled to produce good work, which is God’s intent (2:10).
2:8 Because humans are dead in their sin (2:1), there is a need for outside assistance to be restored. This help cannot be based on good works because humanity is incapable of such goodness. Thus salvation is only possible through God’s grace, which is not earned but freely given. Paul explains in this verse that salvation is based on grace and that people are only saved through faith.
2:9 Paul continues his explanation of how salvation is provided to believers. He has established that it is based on grace and through faith (2:8), but now he delves into a partial rationale for this understanding. In God’s design there is no room for “self,” but if salvation were based on works, there would be great boasting and boosting of self. Thus, salvation that is based in grace/faith allows for no boasting in personal abilities.
REDEEMED BY GRACE (2:1–10)
Chapter 2 continues Paul’s thoughts about God’s eternal purposes in Christ. In 2:1–10 Paul discussed how sinful people who deserve nothing but God’s wrath can be redeemed by His grace.
Paul described the human condition in 2:1–3. He explained how people were “dead in transgressions and sins,” cut off from the life of God and controlled by their own selfish desires. Beyond this they were ensnared by the power of Satan. As a result men and women apart from Christ are without life, without freedom, and without hope.
By His grace He has granted new life to believers. The basis for the new life is God’s great love and mercy. Believers have been united with Christ in His resurrected life. Formerly people apart from Christ were dead, enslaved, and objects of wrath. In Christ believers are now alive, enthroned, and objects of grace.
God’s purpose for believers is spelled out in 2:7–10. He has restored us, “expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” The memorable words in verses 8–9 express a central idea in Paul’s theology. He declared that the nature of God is to give freely because of His own love. God does not deal with people on the level of human achievement but on the level of their deepest needs.
2:8–9 This grace is only available through faith (2:8). If grace is what God deposited for you, faith is the way you make a withdrawal. It is the means of withdrawing God’s grace so that it is made manifest in history. Grace is God’s gift (2:8)—received, not earned (see
An Overview:
Alive in Christ (
6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
