Ephesians 2:8, 9 & 10

Book of Ephesians is one of the Epistles or letters to Ephesus written by Apostle Paul, in the New Testament. It was likely written while Paul was in prison in Rome.

It was written to the Christians in the City of Ephesus, located in modern-day Turkey. However, it’s often considered a “circular letter” meaning it was intended to be circulated among various churches in the region, addressing broader themes applicable to all believers.

DOCTRINAL AND THEOLOGICAL EMPHASIS

Ephesians is often referred to as one of Paul’s “prison epistle” or letters because he wrote it while in prison. In this letter, Paul emphasises the importance of theology and Doctrinal Truth.

1, SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST

Yes, the concept of salvation by Grace through Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is a fundamental teaching in Christianity. It teaches that salvation is a gift from God, and not earned through works. It is the work of Christ on the cross he paid the penalty of our sins. We must believe that he died for our sins he was buried, and he rose on the third day.

2, GRACE;

Salvation begins with the understanding that humans are inherently sinful and separated from God, because of what Adam and Eve had done in the Garden of Eden. Grace is his unmerited favour and love extends toward humanity. It means that God offers forgiveness, reconciliation, and the gift of eternal life not because we deserve it or can earn it through our actions, but out of his love and mercy. Grace is a gift from God.

3, FAITH

Faith is a response of an individual to God’s Grace. It involves believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as the son of God, Saviour, and Redeemer. Faith acknowledges that Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross and his resurrection provide the means of forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

This is the gospel. 1 Corinthians 15; 1 to 4.

4, LORD JESUS CHRIST

Emphasizing “the Lord Jesus Christ” underscores the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus as both Lord and Saviour. He is not only a means of salvation, but also the one whom believers follow and obey as Lord in their lives. 

The biblical basis for this concept can be found in verses Ephesians 2; 8 & 9 and John 3; 16. Jesus became a sin for us, he died in our place. As a perfect GOD/MAN, (Jesus 100% man and 100% God). He completely satisfied God’s righteous demands to punish sin. When Jesus cried “ It is FINISHED” on the cross. He had finished and completed the “work of salvation” which means our sins are “paid in full” his gift of eternal life is free to all who have trust and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

This teaching highlights that salvation is a gift from God. Received through faith in Jesus Christ. It’s a central and foundational belief in Christianity emphasizing God’s love and the role of Jesus as the redeemer of humanity.

5, SPIRITUAL BLESSING

The letter speaks of the spiritual blessings, believers have in Christ including adoption as God’s children and being sealed with the Holy Spirit.

JOHN 1;12 

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become sons of GOD, even to them that believe on his name.

GALATIANS 3;26

For ye are children of GOD by faith in Christ Jesus.

If you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and put your faith, then you belong to the family of GOD. We are now in Christ then we are new creatures.

2 CORINTHIANS 5;17

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.

EPHESIANS 2;10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which GOD hath ordained that we should walk in them.

What is the workmanship? It means we are God’s masterpiece or workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, and these last four word’s “to do good works” are perfect example the behaviour that Glorifies God and makes Christ real to others. ( Matthew 5;16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.)

Granted, obstacles in our daily lives can encumber our minds and hinder our spiritual progress, but only if we let them.

The things that hinder our spiritual progress; 

• Sin- If continue on sinning you will not grow spiritually, Apostle Paul said what shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? GOD forbid, (Romans 6;1) if you are truly saved you hate sin. 

• Lack of reading God’s word- we are feeding our physical body, we need to feed our spiritual body Jesus said Matthew 4;4 It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that procedeth of the mouth of God. Our body weakens when we go out without food, same thing to our spiritual body it weakens without the word God. Neglecting regular time with God’s word increases our struggle in battling sin, in finding comfort and strength in God, in serving Jesus, and in loving God’s word.

• Self-centred – defined as “immoderate concern with one’s own interests and well-being and self-love” he/she doesn’t care about others. People who are self-centred are not able to please God, Romans 8;8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Self-centredness is a sin because it leads to being devoted to self-gratification and overlooking other people’s needs.

• Being Negative- Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life. (Proverbs 4; 23-24) keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 24, Put away from thee a froward mouth and perverse lips put far from thee. This passage was written by King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived on this earth. A negative mind cannot give a positive life. 

This example hinders our spiritual progress or growth in our Christian life. Nonetheless, Christians are called to live, lives that are Holy and pleasing to God. 1 Peter 1;16 Because it is written be ye Holy for I AM holy. 

Exemplary Christian behaviour that allows us to commit ourselves to serving the Lord is made possible as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables us to do the Father’s will.

We are created in Christ Jesus unto good works, and we represent Christ at all times whatever we do, whatever we say, wherever we go, The way we behave and speak affects other’s perceptions of Christ, so we should always conduct ourselves in a way that brings honour and glory to the Lord.

Let’s go back to Ephesians 2;10 We are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Brother Rodel, But the bible says in Isaiah 64;6 our good works is as filthy rags in the eyes of God. But for us, we accepted and those who accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour belong to the family of God. Our good works are led by the Holy Spirit because we are created in Christ Jesus unto good works and are indeed pleasing to God. Not only that God the Father see us as righteous because Jesus’ righteousness is imputed to us and to all believers.

Book of Ephesians is a letter that teaches the profound truth of salvation by grace through faith, the unity of all believers in Christ because of his church Jesus is the head. We as a member we are the body. And it emphasizes God’s love and purpose for the church and provides practical guidance for living out one’s faith in a way that honours God and promotes unity among believers.