Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:… It is evident that the first intention of these words is to show what a very, very easy thing it is to be saved if we would only take it rightly. And secondly, to take away all the honour and all the desert from those who are saved, and to place it where all belongs — on God only. But now I come to a very important part. Let us be careful, very careful, here to discriminate and see clearly the distinction. Remember what we are speaking about. We are not speaking about holiness! We are not speaking about going to heaven; we are speaking only of being saved. We are speaking of the initiatory step, of the becoming a Christian; of the entrance into a life of holiness, and of safety. Remember that is what the word "salvation" means. It means no less, and it means no more. Being safe! Still it is only safety, only safety! There is a great deal to be done after that. Conflict; love; prayer; penitence; conversion of heart; sanctification; a useful life; a brightness in death; a brightness in heaven. In all these, indeed, it is still God who "works in you" to do it; but still you do it, you do it. You work out the grace of the salvation which God has given you; but for your pardon, for your safety, you do nothing at all, but simply accept it. You accept it. More than that — the power to accept it, the will to accept it — they are given you. The triple chain of salvation has three links, and no more — "grace," "faith," "safety." Then come afterwards — love, holiness, heaven. (J. Vaughan, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:WEB: for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, |
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