How does God's "own purpose and grace" relate to Ephesians 2:8-9? Grace Woven into God’s Eternal Plan • 2 Timothy 1:9 highlights that we were saved “not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us”. • Ephesians 2:8-9 echoes the very same truth: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith… not by works”. • Paul is showing one seamless story: the rescue of sinners flows entirely from God’s plan and God’s gift. Paul’s Two Angles on the Same Gift 1. 2 Timothy 1:9 stresses origin—salvation began in God’s heart “before time began.” 2. Ephesians 2:8-9 stresses means—grace comes to us through faith, not effort. 3. Together they say: the plan (purpose) and the provision (grace) both come from God alone. Unearned, Undeserved, Unstoppable • “Own purpose” means nothing outside God forced His hand; He chose to redeem. • “Grace” means we contribute nothing; even faith is a gift (cf. John 6:65; Philippians 1:29). • No boasting survives (Ephesians 2:9), because the entire equation is God-initiated and God-sustained. Before Time, For This Moment • God set His purpose “before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4-5). • That ancient plan moved toward us in the cross (Romans 5:8) and in the Spirit’s call (Titus 3:5-6). • What was eternal now becomes personal the moment we believe. Living in the Overflow • Rest—your standing with God is anchored in His eternal purpose, not today’s performance. • Respond—faith receives what grace provides; keep looking to Christ, not self. • Reflect—extend grace to others (Colossians 3:13); the giver of unearned mercy wants His children to mirror Him. |
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