How does 1 Corinthians 1:30 connect with Ephesians 2:8-9 about salvation? Verse Focus—1 Corinthians 1:30 “It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.” • “Because of Him” — salvation originates in God’s sovereign action, not human effort. • “In Christ Jesus” — union with Christ is the channel through which every saving gift flows. • Four blessings named: – Wisdom from God (the mind of God revealed in the person and work of Christ) – Righteousness (our legal standing; cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21) – Holiness (ongoing sanctification; cf. Hebrews 10:10, 14) – Redemption (complete deliverance; cf. Romans 3:24) Grace Alone Echoed in Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” • “By grace” — God’s unearned favor parallels “because of Him.” • “Through faith” — the hand that receives what Christ has already accomplished. • “Not from yourselves… not by works” — matches 1 Corinthians 1:30’s emphasis on God’s initiative. • “So that no one can boast” — the identical conclusion drawn in 1 Corinthians 1:31, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” Christ Provides, Faith Receives • 1 Corinthians 1:30 lists what Christ has become; Ephesians 2:8-9 explains how those benefits are applied. • Salvation is complete in Christ (objective reality) and personally received by faith (subjective experience). • The believer contributes nothing but trust; Christ supplies everything required for standing before God. God Alone Gets the Glory • Both passages remove all grounds for self-confidence. • Glory belongs to God because: – He planned salvation (Ephesians 1:4-6). – He accomplished it in Christ (Romans 3:24-26). – He applies it through the Spirit (Titus 3:5-7). Supporting Scriptures • Romans 11:6 — grace and works are mutually exclusive. • Isaiah 45:24 — “In the Lord alone are righteousness and strength.” • Philippians 3:9 — righteousness comes “through faith in Christ.” • Colossians 2:10 — believers are “complete in Him.” Practical Takeaways • Rest in Christ’s sufficiency; nothing needs to be added to His righteousness, holiness, or redemption. • Repudiate boasting; every aspect of salvation is the gracious gift of God. • Live out holiness, not to earn favor, but because holiness is already yours in Christ. The seamless harmony between 1 Corinthians 1:30 and Ephesians 2:8-9 underscores one truth: salvation is entirely God’s work, accomplished in Christ, received by faith, and resulting in God’s everlasting praise. |
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