Ephesians 2:8
Verse
Context
Alive with Christ
7in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.8For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,9not by works, so that no one can boast.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For by grace are ye saved, through faith - As ye are now brought into a state of salvation, your sins being all blotted out, and you made partakers of the Holy Spirit; and, having a hope full of immortality, you must not attribute this to any works or merit of yours; for when this Gospel reached you, you were all found dead in trespasses and dead in sins; therefore it was God's free mercy to you, manifested through Christ, in whom ye were commanded to believe; and, having believed by the power of the Holy Spirit, ye received, and were sealed by, the Holy Spirit of promise; so that this salvation is in no sense of yourselves, but is the free gift of God; and not of any kind of works; so that no man can boast as having wrought out his own salvation, or even contributed any thing towards it. By grace arc ye saved, through faith in Christ. This is a true doctrine, and continues to be essential to the salvation of man to the end of the world. But whether are we to understand, faith or salvation as being the gift of God? This question is answered by the Greek text: τῃ γαρ χαριτι εστε σεσωσμενοι δια της πιστεως· και τουτο ουκ εξ ὑμων· Θεου το δωρον, ουκ εξ εργων· ἱνα μη τις καυχησηται· "By this grace ye are saved through faith; and This (τουτο, this salvation) not of you; it is the gift of God, not of works: so that no one can boast." "The relative τουτο, this, which is in the neuter gender, cannot stand for πιστις, faith, which is the feminine; but it has the whole sentence that goes before for its antecedent." But it may be asked: Is not faith the gift of God? Yes, as to the grace by which it is produced; but the grace or power to believe, and the act of believing, are two different things. Without the grace or power to believe no man ever did or can believe; but with that power the act of faith is a man's own. God never believes for any man, no more than he repents for him: the penitent, through this grace enabling him, believes for himself: nor does he believe necessarily, or impulsively when he has that power; the power to believe may be present long before it is exercised, else, why the solemn warnings with which we meet every where in the word of God, and threatenings against those who do not believe? Is not this a proof that such persons have the power but do not use it? They believe not, and therefore are not established. This, therefore, is the true state of the case: God gives the power, man uses the power thus given, and brings glory to God: without the power no man can believe; with it, any man may.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--illustrating "the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness." Translate as in Eph 2:5, "Ye are in a saved state." through faith--the effect of the power of Christ's resurrection (Eph 1:19-20; Phi 3:10) whereby we are "raised together" with Him (Eph 2:6; Col 2:12). Some of the oldest manuscripts read, "through your (literally, 'the') faith." The instrument or mean of salvation on the part of the person saved; Christ alone is the meritorious agent. and that--namely, the act of believing, or "faith." "Of yourselves" stands in opposition to, "it is the gift of God" (Phi 1:29). "That which I have said, 'through faith,' I do not wish to be understood so as if I excepted faith itself from grace" [ESTIUS]. "God justifies the believing man, not for the worthiness of his belief, but for the worthiness of Him in whom he believes" [HOOKER]. The initiation, as well as the increase, of faith, is from the Spirit of God, not only by an external proposal of the word, but by internal illumination in the soul [PEARSON]. Yet "faith" cometh by the means which man must avail himself of, namely, "hearing the word of God" (Rom 10:17), and prayer (Luk 11:13), though the blessing is wholly of God (Co1 3:6-7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For by grace are ye saved,.... This is to be understood, not of temporal salvation, nor of preservation in Christ, nor of providential salvation in order to calling, and much less of being put in a way of salvation, or only in a salvable state; but of spiritual salvation, and that actual; for salvation was not only resolved upon, contrived and secured in the covenant of grace, for the persons here spoken to, but it was actually obtained and wrought out for them by Christ, and was actually applied unto them by the Spirit; and even as to the full enjoyment of it, they had it in faith and hope; and because of the certainty of it, they are said to be already saved; and besides, were representatively possessed of it in Christ their head: those interested in this salvation, are not all mankind, but particular persons; and such who were by nature children of wrath, and sinners of the Gentiles; and it is a salvation from sin, Satan, the law, its curse and condemnation, and from eternal death, and wrath to come; and includes all the blessings of grace and glory; and is entirely owing to free grace: for by grace is not meant the Gospel, nor gifts of grace, nor grace infused; but the free favour of God, to which salvation in all its branches is ascribed; as election, redemption, justification, pardon, adoption, regeneration, and eternal glory: the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, "by his grace", and so some copies; and it may refer to the grace of all the three Persons; for men are saved by the grace of the Father, who drew the plan of salvation, appointed men to it, made a covenant with his Son, in which it is provided and secured, and sent him into the world to obtain it; and by the grace of the Son, who engaged as a surety to effect it, assumed human nature, obeyed and suffered in it for that purpose, and has procured it; and by the grace of the Spirit, who makes men sensible of their need of it, brings it near, sets it before them, and applies it to them, and gives them faith and hope in it: hence it follows, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; salvation is through faith, not as a cause or condition of salvation, or as what adds anything to the blessing itself; but it is the way, or means, or instrument, which God has appointed, for the receiving and enjoying it, that so it might appear to be all of grace; and this faith is not the produce of man's free will and power, but it is the free gift of God; and therefore salvation through it is consistent with salvation by grace; since that itself is of grace, lies entirely in receiving grace and gives all the glory to the grace of God: the sense of this last clause may be, that salvation is not of ourselves; it is not of our desiring nor of our deserving, nor of our performing, but is of the free grace of God: though faith is elsewhere represented as the gift of God, Joh 6:65 and it is called the special gift of faith, in the Apocrypha: "And blessed is the eunuch, which with his hands hath wrought no iniquity, nor imagined wicked things against God: for unto him shall be given the "special gift of faith", and an inheritance in the temple of the Lord more acceptable to his mind.'' (Wisdom 3:14) ----- (I asked the following question from a Greek and Hebrew professor: "In this verse, to what does the word "that" refer to? Adam Clarke, Wesley & company say that it is neuter plural and "Faith" is feminine hence it cannot refer to faith, (Such an admission would destroy their theological system.) However "Grace" is also feminine as is "Salvation".'' His reply was: "Here you ask a wonderful theological/exegetical question to which I can only give an opinion, and not a definitive answer. The problem is that there is NO precise referent. Grace is feminine. Faith is feminine. And even Salvation (as a noun) is feminine. Yet it must be one of these three at least, and maybe more than one, or all three in conjunction. Since all three come from God and not from man, the latter might seem the more likely. However, it is a tautology to say salvation and grace are "nor of yourselves," and in that case it certainly looks more like the passage is really pointing out that man cannot even take credit for his own act of faith, but that faith was itself created by God and implanted in us that we might believe (i.e. the normal Calvinistic position). In which regard the whole theological issue of "regeneration preceding faith" comes into play. So, that is basically my opinion, though others obviously disagree strenuously, but from an exegetical standpoint, the other positions have to explain away the matter of the tautology.'' Whether you accept the reply or not, it is sufficient to show that the Greek is not as definitive in this verse as some scholars would have you believe. Editor)
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:8-9 This is a concise summary of how a person is saved. It is a cardinal tenet of the Good News that people are made righteous through trust in Christ rather than through their own merit (see Rom 1:16-17; 3:24-25; Gal 2:16; cp. John 3:16, 36). Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done (see Rom 3:21–4:8; 9:16; Gal 3:2-10; 5:1-6; cp. 2 Tim 1:9; Titus 3:5). Salvation is for those who trust Christ alone to save them. As a result, none of us can boast about it (cp. Rom 3:27; 4:2; 1 Cor 1:30-31; Gal 6:14).
Ephesians 2:8
Alive with Christ
7in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.8For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,9not by works, so that no one can boast.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
凭他们的果子 - by Their Fruit
By Paul Washer9.3K1:00:35ChineseMAT 7:16EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher uses an illustration of arriving late to emphasize the importance of understanding the fallen nature of man. He argues that men are not just sinners, but inherently evil. The preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to be covered by the blood of Christ in order to be saved on judgment day. He also highlights the significance of one's actions as a reflection of their faith, stating that true believers will bear good fruit.
(True Disciple Conference) the Greatest Words in All of Scripture
By Paul Washer9.3K1:40:48SalvationMAT 6:33ROM 3:23ROM 3:25EPH 2:8PHP 1:6In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing a horrifying scenario where a person's family is violently slaughtered. He then compares this to the justice system, where the murderer is brought before a loving judge who inexplicably sets him free. The speaker uses this analogy to emphasize the true meaning of the cross and the sacrifice of Jesus. He goes on to explain the brutal physical suffering that Jesus endured, highlighting the significance of his death for the forgiveness of sins. The speaker also challenges the idea of treating Jesus' death lightly and calls for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the magnitude of his sacrifice.
The Power of God - Part 2
By Kathryn Kuhlman9.1K28:55PowerMRK 5:34JHN 14:6ACT 2:2EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker expresses feelings of loneliness despite being surrounded by thousands of people. They emphasize the importance of prayer and the responsibility they feel in representing God to others. The speaker talks about the power of the Holy Spirit and the need to be led by it. They also mention the power of angels and the ability to experience the presence of God through the body. The sermon includes prayers for healing and the pleading of the blood of Jesus for protection and deliverance from pain and illness.
Nicky Cruz Testimony
By Nicky Cruz8.9K58:19TestimonyJHN 3:16ROM 5:8EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of his involvement in a violent gang. He describes being brutally attacked and seeking revenge with his own gang. They engage in fights, carrying weapons and causing chaos in the neighborhood. The speaker takes pleasure in the violence, even going as far as rubbing the blood of a beaten person on his shirt. The sermon serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of violence and the need for redemption and transformation.
The Power of His Resurrection
By Major Ian Thomas8.6K42:35Resurrection1SA 16:1PSA 107:20LUK 1:30JHN 6:37EPH 2:8PHP 2:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the presence of God in every aspect of our lives. He uses the story of David and Goliath to illustrate the power of faith over physical weapons. The preacher highlights that God is not looking for worldly accomplishments or talents, but rather for individuals who have learned to live by the principle of faith. He also emphasizes the significance of God's word, particularly Jesus Christ, as the ultimate expression of God's message.
Heroes in Hebrews
By Leonard Ravenhill7.0K1:27:06FaithMAT 11:28EPH 2:8PHP 3:14HEB 10:36HEB 12:2REV 22:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of Abraham and his son Isaac. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience and faith in God's promises. Abraham and Isaac embark on a three-day journey to a mountain where Abraham is instructed to sacrifice his son. Despite the difficulty and confusion, Abraham remains faithful and builds an altar. The speaker also mentions a woman in the meeting who experienced a miraculous healing, highlighting the power of faith.
Complete Salvation and How to Recieve It - Part 1
By Derek Prince6.5K28:17PSA 78:21LUK 8:35JHN 1:11EPH 2:8EPH 3:18HEB 2:3HEB 10:14This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries focuses on the concept of complete salvation and how many Christians may only experience an incomplete version of what God has provided. The speaker emphasizes the vastness and depth of God's salvation, urging believers to fully embrace and comprehend its width, length, depth, and height. Through various biblical examples, the sermon highlights the importance of not limiting God's salvation and the ongoing process of being saved in different tenses: perfect, simple past, and continuing present.
He Lives in Me
By Carter Conlon5.4K58:43TestimonyJHN 3:16EPH 2:8EPH 5:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a testimony of what Jesus is doing in our lives. He encourages the congregation to not underestimate the power of the spoken word and how it can impact someone's life. The preacher shares his personal testimony of how God has worked in his life, including overcoming fear and experiencing victory through faith in God's word. He concludes by reminding the audience that with God, all things are possible.
Attributes of God (Series 2): The Omnipresence of God
By A.W. Tozer4.7K46:11Attributes of GodPSA 119:105PRO 3:6EPH 2:8HEB 10:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the omnipresence of God, stating that God is everywhere, whether on the sea with sailors or in the kitchen with housewives. This fact unlocks a door to wonderful treasure and settles the question of whether this world is a natural, self-running mechanism or if there is a divine presence. The preacher also highlights the difference between the presence of God and the manifest presence of God, using the analogy of hearing music versus being able to see the sun rise. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God is present in this world, and that realization can be both terrifying and comforting, calling individuals to repentance and a return to God.
Take My Life (Compilation)
By Compilations4.6K07:14Dedication to GodThe Value of the SoulCompilationMAT 16:26JHN 3:16ROM 3:23EPH 2:8In the sermon 'Take My Life (Compilation)', the preacher emphasizes the importance of dedicating our lives to God, highlighting that while we may gain worldly possessions, the true value lies in our souls and our relationship with Christ. The message underscores the urgency of repentance and faith in Jesus, who died for our sins and offers eternal life. The preacher calls for a reevaluation of our lives, urging listeners to confront their mortality and recognize that their souls are worth more than the entire world. Ultimately, the sermon reassures that Jesus is the only one who can fill the emptiness within us.
(Genesis) Genesis 32:9-12
By J. Vernon McGee4.5K02:57GenesisGEN 32:9GEN 32:11ROM 3:23EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob appeals to God in his distress, acknowledging Him as the God of his father Abraham and Isaac. This marks a change in Jacob's life as he admits that he is not worthy of God's mercies. The preacher emphasizes that all believers are sinners saved by grace and that it is important to acknowledge our sinful nature. Jacob's plea to God for deliverance from his brother Esau is highlighted as an example of crying out to God in difficult times.
He Is Able (1 of 2) - 1955
By Leonard Ravenhill4.4K44:56Full SalvationJHN 14:6EPH 2:8HEB 4:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and significance of a particular text from the Word of God. He describes it as a text that transcends everything else and seems to leap out of the Bible. The preacher believes that this text reveals the wonder of Jesus Christ and his ability to rescue people from darkness. He also highlights the supremacy of Jesus and how everything has been committed into his hands by God. The sermon emphasizes the importance of inspiration and imagination when reading the Word of God.
Art's Testimony - Part 5
By Art Katz4.4K06:04ROM 10:1EPH 2:8JAS 5:16This sermon shares a powerful testimony of a transformational encounter with God, leading to salvation and a life dedicated to serving Him. It highlights the impact of fervent prayers from believers on the salvation of others, even without direct contact, and the profound mystery of God's work through the church. The speaker's journey from radical atheism to faith showcases the transformative power of God's love and the role of individuals in interceding for others' salvation.
(Titus - Part 18): The Reason for Paul's Commandments
By A.W. Tozer4.2K38:09TitusMAT 6:33ROM 12:2EPH 2:8TIT 2:11TIT 2:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of making your enemies work for you. He emphasizes that this is not a trick sermon, but a literal truth that he will explain. The preacher also mentions upcoming events, such as a visit from the president of the Lion's Churches in the Philippine Islands and continued teachings on the Sermon on the Mount. The sermon is based on the book of Titus, specifically focusing on verse 11 of chapter 2, which talks about the grace of God bringing salvation to all men. The preacher also mentions the Bolshevik Revolution and compares the impact it had in 31 years to the Church's efforts in 2,000 years. He concludes by discussing the two meanings of the grace of God and addressing criticisms of being a legalist or seeking salvation through works.
A Serious Remonstrance
By C.H. Spurgeon4.1K44:462KI 5:13MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ACT 16:31ROM 10:9EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the simplicity and importance of the message he is about to deliver. He acknowledges that some may be expecting something new or complex, but he believes that the plain and simple message of believing in Jesus Christ is what truly matters. The preacher addresses the need for forgiveness of sins and the consequences of our actions in the eyes of God. He emphasizes that no amount of tears or good deeds can atone for our sins, but only through faith in Christ can we find salvation. The sermon encourages the listeners to focus on the fundamental message of believing in Jesus Christ for their peace and salvation.
Jesus the Lamb of God
By David Wilkerson3.7K25:39ISA 53:7JHN 1:29JHN 14:6EPH 2:8REV 5:12This sermon focuses on Jesus as the Lamb of God, the ultimate sacrifice for sin, emphasizing the power of His blood to cleanse and heal. It highlights the universal need for peace and atonement found only in Jesus, contrasting human efforts to earn salvation with the simplicity of faith in Christ's sacrifice. The message calls for a return to Jesus, the Lamb of God, as the source of true peace and transformation.
Love
By C.H. Spurgeon3.6K48:16MAT 11:28EPH 2:81JN 4:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fallen state of the world and the need for redemption through Jesus Christ. He describes how the world was once in perfect harmony with God, but sin has caused discord and brokenness. However, the preacher assures the listeners that there is hope for restoration and a future paradise when Jesus returns to reign and bring glory to the earth. The sermon also highlights the transformative power of the gospel, which compels and constrains the hearts of believers to love God. The preacher challenges the audience to consider what they would do for Christ if he were physically present, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating love through actions. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes the central role of God's love in initiating and enabling our love for Him.
(Basics) 9. the Gift of the Holy Spirit
By Zac Poonen3.4K12:51ACT 2:38ROM 3:23EPH 2:8HEB 4:16In this sermon, the speaker addresses two problems that all human beings face: guilt and failures from the past, and concerns about the future. The good news of the Bible is that God has made provision for both. Through Christ's death on the cross, God has provided forgiveness for our past sins. Additionally, through the Holy Spirit, God offers us grace and power to overcome future temptations and trials. The speaker encourages listeners to come boldly to God, believing in His provision for both their past and future, and to ask for the filling of the Holy Spirit.
The Hunter
By David Wilkerson3.4K54:20PSA 103:12ISA 55:7JER 31:3LUK 15:7ROM 5:8EPH 2:8In this sermon, Reverend David Wilkerson shares a powerful story about a young man named Jose who was a drug addict. When Reverend Wilkerson went to Jose's apartment to pick him up, he noticed two young children, Jose's siblings, who were left alone and scared. As they were about to leave, Jose shared that their mother was a prostitute and was out on the streets. Suddenly, Jose felt a spiritual attack from demonic forces, but he called out to Jesus and they fled. This experience made Jose realize the power of Christ and the importance of having a repentant heart. Reverend Wilkerson emphasizes that God loves his people, even when they sin, and desires a repentant heart. He also highlights the preciousness of every individual in the sight of God, despite their failures and mistakes. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's grace and forgiveness, and the need to hold onto the truth that we are precious in the eyes of the Lord.
(Biographies) William Wilberforce
By John Piper3.3K1:26:44ROM 3:23ROM 6:23EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the perseverance and determination of William Wilberforce in his fight for the abolition of the slave trade. Wilberforce faced numerous defeats, criticism, and long hours of work, but he remained steadfast in his mission. He acknowledged his own guilt and took responsibility for allowing the slave trade to continue. Despite the challenges, Wilberforce's indomitable joy and love for his family remained, and he found solace in playing with his children even after parliamentary defeats.
A Bitter Root
By Jim Cymbala3.2K23:40BitternessEPH 2:8HEB 12:15In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of violence and shootings that have occurred in churches in Texas and California. He emphasizes that the root cause of these tragedies is bitterness and offense taken by individuals. The preacher quotes a verse from Hebrews, urging Christians to not fall short of the grace of God and to prevent bitter roots from growing and causing trouble. He highlights the importance of addressing this problem within the church and taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of congregants while also trusting in the Lord.
Gift Our Lord Brought to the World - Part 1
By A.W. Tozer3.2K35:22Free GiftEXO 3:5MAT 6:33JHN 3:16JHN 3:18ROM 5:8EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a tragic incident in Italy where a train carrying students home for Christmas breaks and results in the death of seventy-eight students. He highlights the contrast between the value placed on the human race as a whole and the disregard for individual lives. The preacher then turns to the scripture from the book of John, emphasizing the profound significance of the message that God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son for its salvation. He acknowledges the difficulty of fully comprehending and preaching on such a powerful and concentrated text, but recognizes its importance, especially on the day before Christmas.
A Sweetheart Love for Jesus Christ
By Rolfe Barnard3.1K54:04MAT 13:44EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful story of a revival meeting that caused a stir in a community. The preacher describes how people who had never been to a church service before were drawn to the meeting. One particular 16-year-old Roman Catholic girl, who didn't understand much about the gospel, was moved to come forward and kneel down. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having a deep conviction and passion for sharing the truth of Christ's death and resurrection. He warns against relying solely on intellectual knowledge without the power of the Holy Spirit. The preacher also highlights the persecution that some believers face for their faith, recounting the story of a girl who was physically and verbally abused by her family for her decision to follow Christ. The sermon concludes with a call for believers to have a burning desire to share the message of reconciliation with others.
The Gospel of Grace
By David Wilkerson2.9K55:39ROM 5:1EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of being justified by faith and finding peace with God through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that our salvation is not based on any inherent righteousness or goodness in us, but rather on the grace of God. The preacher also shares personal anecdotes about his own journey and the role his wife played in humbling him and helping him grow spiritually. He encourages the audience to prioritize their relationship with God and not be distracted by worldly pursuits.
(Genesis) Genesis 47:10-14
By J. Vernon McGee2.8K03:15GenesisGEN 47:10ROM 3:23EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a friend who was initially ashamed of his preacher father. However, after going to college and entering the business world, the friend realized that his father was actually wise and capable. The speaker then relates this story to the biblical character Jacob, who humbly blesses Pharaoh and does not boast about his own accomplishments. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own sinfulness and relying on the grace of God, rather than boasting about our own achievements.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For by grace are ye saved, through faith - As ye are now brought into a state of salvation, your sins being all blotted out, and you made partakers of the Holy Spirit; and, having a hope full of immortality, you must not attribute this to any works or merit of yours; for when this Gospel reached you, you were all found dead in trespasses and dead in sins; therefore it was God's free mercy to you, manifested through Christ, in whom ye were commanded to believe; and, having believed by the power of the Holy Spirit, ye received, and were sealed by, the Holy Spirit of promise; so that this salvation is in no sense of yourselves, but is the free gift of God; and not of any kind of works; so that no man can boast as having wrought out his own salvation, or even contributed any thing towards it. By grace arc ye saved, through faith in Christ. This is a true doctrine, and continues to be essential to the salvation of man to the end of the world. But whether are we to understand, faith or salvation as being the gift of God? This question is answered by the Greek text: τῃ γαρ χαριτι εστε σεσωσμενοι δια της πιστεως· και τουτο ουκ εξ ὑμων· Θεου το δωρον, ουκ εξ εργων· ἱνα μη τις καυχησηται· "By this grace ye are saved through faith; and This (τουτο, this salvation) not of you; it is the gift of God, not of works: so that no one can boast." "The relative τουτο, this, which is in the neuter gender, cannot stand for πιστις, faith, which is the feminine; but it has the whole sentence that goes before for its antecedent." But it may be asked: Is not faith the gift of God? Yes, as to the grace by which it is produced; but the grace or power to believe, and the act of believing, are two different things. Without the grace or power to believe no man ever did or can believe; but with that power the act of faith is a man's own. God never believes for any man, no more than he repents for him: the penitent, through this grace enabling him, believes for himself: nor does he believe necessarily, or impulsively when he has that power; the power to believe may be present long before it is exercised, else, why the solemn warnings with which we meet every where in the word of God, and threatenings against those who do not believe? Is not this a proof that such persons have the power but do not use it? They believe not, and therefore are not established. This, therefore, is the true state of the case: God gives the power, man uses the power thus given, and brings glory to God: without the power no man can believe; with it, any man may.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--illustrating "the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness." Translate as in Eph 2:5, "Ye are in a saved state." through faith--the effect of the power of Christ's resurrection (Eph 1:19-20; Phi 3:10) whereby we are "raised together" with Him (Eph 2:6; Col 2:12). Some of the oldest manuscripts read, "through your (literally, 'the') faith." The instrument or mean of salvation on the part of the person saved; Christ alone is the meritorious agent. and that--namely, the act of believing, or "faith." "Of yourselves" stands in opposition to, "it is the gift of God" (Phi 1:29). "That which I have said, 'through faith,' I do not wish to be understood so as if I excepted faith itself from grace" [ESTIUS]. "God justifies the believing man, not for the worthiness of his belief, but for the worthiness of Him in whom he believes" [HOOKER]. The initiation, as well as the increase, of faith, is from the Spirit of God, not only by an external proposal of the word, but by internal illumination in the soul [PEARSON]. Yet "faith" cometh by the means which man must avail himself of, namely, "hearing the word of God" (Rom 10:17), and prayer (Luk 11:13), though the blessing is wholly of God (Co1 3:6-7).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For by grace are ye saved,.... This is to be understood, not of temporal salvation, nor of preservation in Christ, nor of providential salvation in order to calling, and much less of being put in a way of salvation, or only in a salvable state; but of spiritual salvation, and that actual; for salvation was not only resolved upon, contrived and secured in the covenant of grace, for the persons here spoken to, but it was actually obtained and wrought out for them by Christ, and was actually applied unto them by the Spirit; and even as to the full enjoyment of it, they had it in faith and hope; and because of the certainty of it, they are said to be already saved; and besides, were representatively possessed of it in Christ their head: those interested in this salvation, are not all mankind, but particular persons; and such who were by nature children of wrath, and sinners of the Gentiles; and it is a salvation from sin, Satan, the law, its curse and condemnation, and from eternal death, and wrath to come; and includes all the blessings of grace and glory; and is entirely owing to free grace: for by grace is not meant the Gospel, nor gifts of grace, nor grace infused; but the free favour of God, to which salvation in all its branches is ascribed; as election, redemption, justification, pardon, adoption, regeneration, and eternal glory: the Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions read, "by his grace", and so some copies; and it may refer to the grace of all the three Persons; for men are saved by the grace of the Father, who drew the plan of salvation, appointed men to it, made a covenant with his Son, in which it is provided and secured, and sent him into the world to obtain it; and by the grace of the Son, who engaged as a surety to effect it, assumed human nature, obeyed and suffered in it for that purpose, and has procured it; and by the grace of the Spirit, who makes men sensible of their need of it, brings it near, sets it before them, and applies it to them, and gives them faith and hope in it: hence it follows, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; salvation is through faith, not as a cause or condition of salvation, or as what adds anything to the blessing itself; but it is the way, or means, or instrument, which God has appointed, for the receiving and enjoying it, that so it might appear to be all of grace; and this faith is not the produce of man's free will and power, but it is the free gift of God; and therefore salvation through it is consistent with salvation by grace; since that itself is of grace, lies entirely in receiving grace and gives all the glory to the grace of God: the sense of this last clause may be, that salvation is not of ourselves; it is not of our desiring nor of our deserving, nor of our performing, but is of the free grace of God: though faith is elsewhere represented as the gift of God, Joh 6:65 and it is called the special gift of faith, in the Apocrypha: "And blessed is the eunuch, which with his hands hath wrought no iniquity, nor imagined wicked things against God: for unto him shall be given the "special gift of faith", and an inheritance in the temple of the Lord more acceptable to his mind.'' (Wisdom 3:14) ----- (I asked the following question from a Greek and Hebrew professor: "In this verse, to what does the word "that" refer to? Adam Clarke, Wesley & company say that it is neuter plural and "Faith" is feminine hence it cannot refer to faith, (Such an admission would destroy their theological system.) However "Grace" is also feminine as is "Salvation".'' His reply was: "Here you ask a wonderful theological/exegetical question to which I can only give an opinion, and not a definitive answer. The problem is that there is NO precise referent. Grace is feminine. Faith is feminine. And even Salvation (as a noun) is feminine. Yet it must be one of these three at least, and maybe more than one, or all three in conjunction. Since all three come from God and not from man, the latter might seem the more likely. However, it is a tautology to say salvation and grace are "nor of yourselves," and in that case it certainly looks more like the passage is really pointing out that man cannot even take credit for his own act of faith, but that faith was itself created by God and implanted in us that we might believe (i.e. the normal Calvinistic position). In which regard the whole theological issue of "regeneration preceding faith" comes into play. So, that is basically my opinion, though others obviously disagree strenuously, but from an exegetical standpoint, the other positions have to explain away the matter of the tautology.'' Whether you accept the reply or not, it is sufficient to show that the Greek is not as definitive in this verse as some scholars would have you believe. Editor)
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:8-9 This is a concise summary of how a person is saved. It is a cardinal tenet of the Good News that people are made righteous through trust in Christ rather than through their own merit (see Rom 1:16-17; 3:24-25; Gal 2:16; cp. John 3:16, 36). Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done (see Rom 3:21–4:8; 9:16; Gal 3:2-10; 5:1-6; cp. 2 Tim 1:9; Titus 3:5). Salvation is for those who trust Christ alone to save them. As a result, none of us can boast about it (cp. Rom 3:27; 4:2; 1 Cor 1:30-31; Gal 6:14).