Thoughts on Ephesians 2:8-10

Thoughts on Ephesians 2:8-10 by John W. Ritenbaugh

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9) not of works, lest anyone should boast. (10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

The right works do not earn us salvation, yet we are created for good works. God ordained this from the very beginning. It is the right works that make life worth living, that prove to God our understanding of His purpose, and show His love in us. That love is then shown to the world and ensures that the proper witness is made for Him.

The book of Ephesians is about unity, about diverse people—the Gentiles on the one hand and the Jews, primarily the Israelites, on the other—living together as part of a common body. What we have in common is Jesus Christ; He is the Savior of both.

What do we have to do so that we can live together? What will make life worthwhile? Our salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus the righteous for us--the unrighteous. Then, because we love Him, we will do the right kind of works; we will do righteous deeds and speak godly words.