Connect Matthew 19:25 with Ephesians 2:8-9 on salvation by grace through faith. The Disciples’ Alarm: Matthew 19:25 “When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’” God’s Immediate Answer: Matthew 19:26 “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’” Paul’s Clear Explanation: 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 may boast.” Grace Meets Human Impossibility • Matthew shows salvation is impossible through human effort. • Ephesians shows salvation is entirely possible because God gives it freely by grace. • Together they reveal one seamless truth: when human power reaches its limit, divine grace supplies all that is lacking. Crumbling Self-Reliance in Matthew 19 • The rich young ruler’s wealth could not purchase eternal life (vv. 16-22). • The disciples realized no amount of human achievement secures salvation (v. 25). • Jesus redirected their focus from human capability to God’s sovereign ability (v. 26). The Gift of God in Ephesians 2 • Salvation is “by grace” — undeserved favor flowing from God’s heart. • It is received “through faith” — simple trust, not meritorious work. • It is “not from yourselves” — eliminating any ground for boasting. • It is “the gift of God” — freely offered, never earned. Scripture’s Unified Voice • Romans 3:20-24 — “No one will be justified by works of the law… all are justified freely by His grace.” • Titus 3:5 — “He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy.” • John 1:12-13 — “To all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” Living the Truth Today • Abandon confidence in personal merit; embrace Christ’s sufficiency. • Rest in the security that salvation originates, continues, and is completed by God. • Express gratitude, obedience, and good works not to earn salvation but because it has been freely given (Ephesians 2:10). |
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