What does it mean to be saved by grace?

The question, no doubt, has been taken from the Bible verses in Ephesians 2:8,9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." In answering this question I would like to focus on three words in this verse. They are grace, saved and faith.

First of all, the word saved.

What is it that we need to be saved from? Ephesians 2:1-3 tells us that by nature we are:

• Spiritually dead in trespasses and sins.
• Children of disobedience who love to do what we want to do.
• Children of wrath.

We need to be saved from spiritual death, from a life of disobedience, from doing our own will, and most importantly, from the wrath of God!

Secondly, the word grace.

The verse quoted tells us that it is by grace that we can be saved from these things. The source of our salvation is found alone in God's grace. What is grace? The root meaning of "grace" is "to give freely." Grace has also been defined as God's unmerited favor to us.

Can't my good works save me? What does the Scripture say about works? "Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:9). "Not by works of righteousness which we have done" (Titus 3:5). Grace is the opposite of works. In Romans 11:6 we read, "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." Because we are spiritually dead, having no life towards God, there is no way that we can earn salvation by our works.

What if I try to keep the law? What does the Scripture say? "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith" (Galatians 3:10,11).

Doesn't baptism save me? What does the Scripture say? "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" (1 Corinthians 1:17). Baptism is not part of the gospel. Baptism is something we do in obedience to Christ. It is the answer of a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21).

We do not deserve to be saved, but God in His grace has provided a way of salvation through the death of His beloved Son. "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

Thirdly, the word faith.

Faith is the key that enables us to lay hold of God's grace. "For by grace are ye saved through faith." Faith is simply believing that what God has said is true. "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" (Acts 16:31). "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).