Saved by Grace through Faith, Eph. 2:1-10

5/22/11

A.         Our spiritual condition before we were saved, 1-3:  (Chap. VI, WCF;  Augustine’s prayer and Pelagius’ response).

          a.       Spiritually dead as evidenced by our trespasses and sins (original sin, Ps 51:5), 1.

          b.      Spiritually enslaved to sin, 2-3.

                                                             1.        It was in accord with the lifestyle of the world.

                                                             2.        It was in accord with the spirit of disobedience.

                                                             3.        It was driven by the lusts of the flesh.

                                                             4.        It was in accord with our nature of wrath.

B.         How we were saved:  by God’s grace through faith alone, 4-9.

          a.       Saved because of God’s great mercy and love, 4.

          b.      Saved by grace alone, 5. When you were dead, not dying or floundering, you were made alive together with Christ.

          c.       Saved by grace through faith, 8.

                                                             1.        The neuter “it” does not refer back to the feminine “faith,”  but to the whole salvation process.  Either way, faith itself is not a work of man (lest any should boast), but part of God’s gracious gift for salvation.  For other proof texts for faith as a gift, see Phil 1:29, Rom 12:3.

                                                             2.        Saved when you believed, not after, nor before you believed, 1:13.

C.        Why we were saved; 7, 10:

          a.       To demonstrate in the coming ages the riches of his grace in kindness upon us, 7.

          b.      Saved for good works, 10.           

                                                             1.        We were created for good works (works of love for God and others).

                                                             2.        Works which God prepared ahead of time that we should walk in them.