How does Romans 8:3 connect to the concept of grace in Ephesians 2:8-9? Setting the Stage: God Does What We Cannot “For what the Law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh.” • The Law reveals righteousness but cannot produce it in fallen humanity. • Our “flesh” (sin-nature) makes perfect obedience impossible. • God steps in—He “did” what the Law “was powerless to do.” Grace on Display: Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one may boast.” • Salvation originates in God’s grace, not human effort. • Faith is the means, not the cause. • Works have zero purchasing power toward salvation. The Bridge Between the Passages 1. Powerless Humanity ‑ Romans 8:3: the Law is “powerless” because of our flesh. ‑ Ephesians 2:8-9: we contribute “not from yourselves.” Both texts underscore our inability to save ourselves. 2. Divine Initiative ‑ Romans 8:3: “God did” by sending His Son. ‑ Ephesians 2:8: “it is the gift of God.” Salvation is God’s unilateral act of grace. 3. Christ’s Substitution ‑ Romans 8:3: Christ came “in the likeness of sinful man” and became a sin offering. ‑ Ephesians 2:9 implies the same by excluding works; only Christ’s work counts. Compare 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us…” 4. Resulting Freedom ‑ Romans 8:4 (next verse): “that the righteous requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us.” ‑ Ephesians 2:10: “we are His workmanship…prepared for good works.” Grace not only saves; it empowers righteous living. Supporting Snapshots from Scripture • John 1:17—“For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” • Titus 3:5—“He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy.” • Galatians 3:24—“The Law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” Practical Takeaways • Stop trusting self-effort; rest in what “God did” (Romans 8:3). • Celebrate salvation as pure gift (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Live out the righteousness Christ purchased—obedience becomes response, not requirement for acceptance. |
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