How does Ephesians 2:9 connect with Romans 11:6 on grace and works? Grace Stands Alone - “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.” (Ephesians 2:8–9) - “And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” (Romans 11:6) - Both verses insist on one exclusive source of salvation: God’s unearned favor. The moment human effort is added, grace ceases to be grace. Ephesians 2:9 — Salvation Without Self-Boasting - “Not by works” slams the door on any achievement-based righteousness. - “So that no one can boast” exposes the heart behind works-reliance: securing personal credit. - Grace removes every ground for pride, leaving only thankful worship. Romans 11:6 — Grace Without Additives - Paul restates the principle with razor clarity: grace and works are mutually exclusive economies. - Mixing them nullifies grace, just as watering pure wine dilutes its essence. - The context (God preserving a remnant of Israel) proves God’s saving action is always rooted in His mercy, never human merit. Tying the Verses Together - Ephesians highlights the personal dimension (individual boasting). - Romans highlights the theological dimension (the very definition of grace). - Together they declare: • Source: God alone. • Means: Grace alone. • Instrument: Faith alone. • Result: All glory to God alone. Supporting Witnesses in Scripture - Titus 3:5 “ He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy…” - Galatians 2:21 “If righteousness comes through the law, Christ died for nothing.” - 2 Timothy 1:9 “Not because of our works but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.” - Isaiah 64:6 “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” These passages echo the same melody: every attempt to earn favor is futile; salvation rests wholly on God’s gracious initiative. Living Out the Truth - Rest: cease striving for acceptance—Christ has finished the work (John 19:30). - Rejoice: boast only in the cross (Galatians 6:14). - Respond: good works now flow from gratitude, not obligation (Ephesians 2:10). |
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