Tag: Ephesians

Saved for a Purpose – Ephesians 2:8–10

Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV) – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

This passage is carefully structured to make one central point clear. We are saved by faith, not by works. Our own behavior, no matter how well intentioned, cannot earn salvation. Scripture is blunt about that elsewhere, comparing our righteousness to filthy garments in Isaiah. If salvation depended on our performance, every one of us would fall short. Paul removes that possibility entirely. Salvation is a gift, given by grace.

At the same time, Paul does not dismiss good works. He places them in the right order. We are not saved by good works, but we are created for them. God has plans, prepared ahead of time, for how his people should live and serve. That distinction matters. Good works are not the entrance requirement. They are the result of a life already changed by grace.

This passage is a strong reminder for me. I do not do good things to earn God’s favor. I do them because God has already shown me grace and has intentionally placed opportunities in front of me. That means I should be paying attention. God created me for this purpose, and I need to be more focused on recognizing and stepping into the good works he has already prepared.

Unity – Ephesians 4:1–6

Ephesians 4:2 – “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”

Paul’s call here is practical and relational. He is writing to believers and urging them to live in a way that matches what God has already done in them. Humility, gentleness, and patience are not abstract virtues. They are everyday habits that make unity possible. Paul anchors this call in something deeper than good behavior. There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God over all.

This is a reminder that unity in the Church does not happen by accident. It grows when believers actually live out the Fruit of the Spirit in their relationships with one another. It is really easy to get caught up in internicine arguments over issues of Christian doctrine. Pretty soon, a deep split happens. Some of these issues are totally unimportant. Some of these issues are not at all.

How we treat other Christians matters, not just for our own growth, but for the health of the whole body. If we truly believe there is one God and one body, then preserving unity is not optional. It is part of living a life worthy of the calling we have received.