Ephesians 2:8–9 (NKJV)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Grace is the heartbeat of the Gospel. Under this year’s Lent theme, Grace and Truth, we are reminded that salvation is not a human achievement but a divine gift. The Apostle Paul makes it unmistakably clear: we are saved by grace, and this salvation is received through faith.
1. Salvation Is By Grace
Grace is God’s unmerited favour—His kindness toward those who do not deserve it. We were not saved because we were righteous, disciplined, or religious. In fact, Scripture tells us that we were once dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1 NKJV). A dead person cannot revive himself; he needs life from outside. That life comes from God.
Titus 2:11 (NKJV) declares:
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.”
Grace is not earned. It is not negotiated. It is given.
2. Salvation Is Through Faith
Faith is the channel through which grace flows into our lives. Faith is trusting completely in the finished work of Jesus Christ. It is not faith in our efforts, church attendance, fasting, or good deeds. It is faith in Christ alone.
Romans 5:1 (NKJV) says:
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Faith does not compete with grace; it receives grace. Even that faith is not self-generated—“not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” This keeps us humble and dependent on Him.
3. Not of Works
Paul emphasizes that salvation is “not of works, lest anyone should boast.” No one will stand before God and claim credit for their salvation. If salvation were by works, heaven would become a place of comparison and pride. But because it is by grace, heaven will be filled with worship.
Isaiah 64:6 (NKJV) reminds us:
“But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags…”
Our best efforts cannot save us. Only the finished work of Christ can.
4. Grace Produces Transformation
Though we are not saved by works, we are saved for good works. Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) continues:
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
Grace does not encourage sin; it empowers holiness. When we truly understand grace, we do not take it for granted—we live in gratitude and obedience.
Reflection for Lent
As we fast and pray, we must guard our hearts against subtle self-righteousness. Fasting does not earn salvation. Prayer does not purchase grace. We fast and pray because we are already saved by grace. Our devotion flows from gratitude, not from an attempt to secure God’s acceptance.
Let this truth humble us. Let it silence pride. Let it deepen our worship.
Pastor Ebenezer Adeyinka Daramola
Prayer Points:
- Lord, we thank You for the joy and the gift of salvation we received by Your grace through faith. We give You glory, Lord, for this gift was not because of our works or our efforts, but by Your grace alone in Jesus’ name. (Ephesians 2:8-9).
- Lord, we thank You for Your grace, the unmerited favour upon our lives. We appreciate Your true love, goodness, forgiveness, and the finished work of our salvation on the cross of Calvary in Jesus’ name. (Ephesians 2:8).
- Thank You, Lord, for the faith You have given us to accept the gift of salvation in Jesus’ name (Ephesians 2:8).
- Father, forgive us in any way we have not honoured You, and appreciated You for the work of our salvation. Have mercy on us in Jesus’ name.
- Lord, You have created us in Christ Jesus unto good works prepared for us to do before the foundation of the world, grant us the grace and power to walk in them in Jesus’ name. (Ephesians 2:10).
- Father Lord, let Your grace enable us to live a life that brings glory to Your Name in Jesus’ name. (Titus 2:11).
- Father, let Your grace be sufficient for us in every circumstance we face in Jesus’ name. (2 Corinthians 12:9).
- Holy Spirit of the living God, help us not to lose our salvation. In every situation we may find ourselves, strengthen us and give us the grace to keep pressing forward in Jesus’ name. (2 Corinthians 12:9).
- Lord Jesus, increase our faith and help us not to lose hope in Your power in the name of Jesus. (Luke 17:5).
- Lord Jesus, restore to us the joy of Your salvation and grant us the grace to continually draw water with joy from the wells of salvation in Jesus’ name. (Psalm 51:12a & Isaiah 12:3).
- Father Lord, we have been saved by Your grace, help us to arise for the salvation of those who are yet to accept You as their Lord and Saviour in Jesus’ nam. (Ephesians 2:8 & Matthew 28:19).
- Merciful Lord, shine Your light of salvation into the lives of the unsaved all over the world in Jesus’ name. (2 Corinthians 4:4).
- Lord Jesus, arise and remove the veil of deception from the eyes of the unbelievers so they may see the truth and know the truth in Jesus’ name. (2 Corinthians 4:4 & John 8:32).
- 14.Lord, grant us the spirit of wisdom and boldness to share the good news of salvation with clarity to the unsaved in Jesus’ name. (James 1:5; Ephesians 6:19-20 & Acts 4:29).
- Holy Spirit, help us to focus on our Christian journey and not to look back, no matter what may come our way in Jesus’ name. (Luke 9:62).
