How does Romans 3:27 connect with Ephesians 2:8-9 on grace and faith? Romans 3:27—The End of Human Boasting “Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of works? No, but on that of faith.” Ephesians 2:8-9—Saved by Grace, Not by Works “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” How the Two Passages Interlock • Both passages shut the door on self-exaltation. • Romans 3:27 asks the question; Ephesians 2:8-9 supplies the theological foundation: salvation is entirely God’s gift. • “Boasting” is excluded because: – Grace means unearned favor (Ephesians 2:8). – Faith is the God-appointed conduit, not a meritorious act (Romans 3:27; Romans 4:5). – Works have no saving power (Ephesians 2:9; Romans 3:20). Key Truths About Grace • Originates solely in God’s character (Exodus 34:6; Romans 5:8). • Freely given, not bargained for (Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 22:17). • Extends to “all who believe” without distinction (Romans 3:22-24). Key Truths About Faith • Receives what grace provides (John 1:12). • Rests on God’s promises, not on human achievement (Romans 4:16). • Results in a transformed life that subsequently produces good works (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:17). Why Works Cannot Save • Law-keeping demands perfect obedience (Galatians 3:10). • Human righteousness is “filthy rags” before a holy God (Isaiah 64:6). • Even the best deeds are tainted by sin’s corruption (Romans 7:18). Freedom From Boasting—Practical Implications • Humility before God and others (Philippians 2:3-4). • Unity in the body of Christ; no hierarchy of merit (1 Corinthians 1:31). • Grateful worship, because all credit belongs to the Lord (Psalm 115:1). • Confidence in assurance: if salvation rests on God’s grace, it is secure (John 10:28-29). Supporting Passages • Titus 3:5—“He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy.” • 2 Timothy 1:9—“He has saved us and called us…not because of our works but because of His own purpose and grace.” • Galatians 6:14—“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Summary Snapshot Grace is the unearned source, faith is the receiving hand, works are the inevitable fruit—but never the root—of salvation. Romans 3:27 silences human pride, and Ephesians 2:8-9 explains why: God does it all, so the glory is His alone. |
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