Eph. 2:8-9

[By Ron Halbrook]

2

• Introduction

1. Eph. 2:8-9 God’s amazing grace! 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

3

• Introduction

2. Eph. 2:1-10 God’s grace in context of contrast: His holiness vs. our sinfulness

In our sin: like a drowning man, hopeless, helpless God holy: free & intolerant of sin, yet merciful

2. Eph. 2:1-10 God’s grace in context of contrast: His holiness vs. our sinfulness

1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

2. Eph. 2:1-10 God’s grace in context of contrast: His holiness vs. our sinfulness

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

2. Eph. 2:1-10 God’s grace in context of contrast: His holiness vs. our sinfulness

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

7

• Introduction3. Understand & accept this salvation:

Man’s desperate needGod’s supreme gift of graceConditions for receiving gracePerversions of graceSpread the good news: saved by grace!

8

I. Man’s Desperate Need A. God, the Source of All Grace

Grace: Good-will, loving-kindness, favor, especially bestowed on the undeservingGen. 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”Gen. 1:31 “…and, behold, it was very good”

9

I. Man’s Desperate Need A. God, the Source of All Grace

Gen. 1:27 “God created man in his own image:” sacred fellowship, friendship with God!Gen. 2:9 Garden of Eden provided all needs

Gen. 2:9 Garden of Eden provided all needs 9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

1. Provided abundant good food

2. Perpetuated physical life

3. Symbolized covenant of spiritual life

11

I. Man’s Desperate Need B. Man Died, the Consequence of Sin

Gen. 2:17 “Thou shalt surely die:” three curses Gen. 3:17-19 Ground cursed: yield sparingly Gen. 3:22-24 Body cursed: physical death Gen. 3:8 Soul cursed: fellowship with God lost

12

I. Man’s Desperate Need B. Man Died, the Consequence of Sin

We suffer two curses of Adam’s sin at birth Gen. 3:17-19 Ground cursed: yield sparingly Gen. 3:22-24 Body cursed: physical death

13

I. Man’s Desperate Need B. Man Died, the Consequence of Sin

We suffer the third curse when we choose to sin Isa. 59: 2 Soul cursed: fellowship with God lost

2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

14

B. Man Died, the Consequence of SinWe suffer the third curse when we choose to sin Ezek. 18:20 Soul cursed: fellowship with God lost

20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

15

I. Man’s Desperate Need B. Man Died, the Consequence of Sin

We suffer the third curse when we choose to sin Rom. 3:23 Soul cursed: fellowship with God lost

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

16

I. Man’s Desperate Need B. Man Died, the Consequence of Sin

We suffer the third curse when we choose to sin Rom. 6:23 Soul cursed: fellowship with God lost

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

17

I. Man’s Desperate Need C. All Men Sin: All Doomed, Destined to Hell

Why our own works cannot save Adam’s one sin condemned him—

not exonerated by his good works Mile runner steps out of bounds one time—

not exonerated by steps in bounds

18

I. Man’s Desperate Need C. All Men Sin: All Doomed, Destined to Hell

Why our own works cannot save Every sin committed condemns us—

not exonerated by our good works

Good worksEven 1 sin stands

against our good works

19

II. God’s Supreme Gift of Grace A. Promised Full & Free Pardon as a Gift!

Gen. 3:15 God to send the seed of woman to defeat SatanGen. 12:3 God to send the seed of Abram to bless men of all nations

20

11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

II. God’s Supreme Gift of Grace A. Promised Full & Free Pardon as a Gift!

Lev. 17:11 The Law of Moses: animal sacrifices emphasize sin brings death, demands pardon

21

II. God’s Supreme Gift of Grace A. Promised Full & Free Pardon as a Gift!

Jer. 31:31-34 “I will make a new covenant… I will remember their sin no more”Isa. 53:5-6 The Savior to offer perfect, final sacrifice for sin

Isa. 53:5-6 The Savior to offer perfect, final sacrifice for sin

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

23

II. God’s Supreme Gift of Grace B. Supreme Gift: Jesus Christ, Perfect & Final

Sacrifice for Our SinsRom. 5:6-10 “Christ died for us”

Rom. 5:6-10 “Christ died for us” 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

25

II. God’s Supreme Gift of Grace B. Supreme Gift: Jesus Christ, Perfect & Final

Sacrifice for Our SinsTruly, Amazing Grace!

Amazing Grace (John Newton (1725-1807) Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,That saved a wretch like me.I once was lost but now am found,Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.And Grace, my fears relieved.How precious did that Grace appearThe hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snaresI have already come;'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus farand Grace will lead me home.

Amazing Grace (John Newton (1725-1807)The Lord has promised good to me.His word my hope secures.He will my shield and portion be,As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,And mortal life shall cease,I shall possess within the veil,A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand yearsBright shining as the sun.We've no less days to sing God's praiseThan when we've first begun.

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace A. Provision Unconditional, Reception Conditional

Rom. 5:8 “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”—provision unconditionalEph. 2:8 “By grace are ye saved through faith” —reception conditionalGod’s grace provided & offered to all men—each one chooses to receive it or reject it 28

29

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace B. Illustrate: Grace Received Conditionally

Money provided unconditionallyMoney received two ways: Unconditionally: given w/o regard for your will Conditionally: you choose to receive or reject

30

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace B. Illustrate: Grace Received Conditionally

Offer unconditional to save drowning manRescue received two ways: Unconditionally: save w/o regard for your will Conditionally: you choose to receive or reject

31

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace B. Illustrate: Grace Received Conditionally

Gen. 12:1 Offer unconditionally a chosen land

1 Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

32

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace B. Illustrate: Grace Received Conditionally

Gen. 12:1 Offer unconditionally a chosen landLand received two ways: Unconditionally: Lord, bring the land to me Conditionally: Gen. 12:4 “So Abraham

departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him”

33

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace B. Illustrate: Grace Received Conditionally

Josh. 6:2 Offer unconditionally Jericho

2 And the LORD said unto Joshua, See, I have given into thine hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valour.

34

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace B. Illustrate: Grace Received Conditionally

Josh. 6:2 Offer unconditionally JerichoJericho received two ways: Unconditionally: Lord, I will sit & wait Conditionally: Josh. 6:3-5 Go around Jericho,

priests blow trumpets, people shout

35

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace B. Illustrate: Grace Received Conditionally

2 Kgs. 5:1-14 Offer unconditionally healing

10 And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

36

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace B. Illustrate: Grace Received Conditionally

2 Kgs. 5:1-14 Offer unconditionally healingHealing received two ways: Unconditionally: Lord, I will sit & wait Conditionally: 2 Kgs. 5:14 “Then he went down,

and dipped himself seven times in Jordan,… and he was clean”

37

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace C. Salvation Received Conditionally

Salvation provided unconditionally Rom. 5:6-10 “Christ died for us”

38

C. Salvation Received ConditionallySalvation provided unconditionallyHow it is received: Unconditionally? Given w/o regard for your will Conditionally! You choose to receive or reject

39

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace C. Salvation Received Conditionally

Mk. 16:15-16 Jesus in Great Commission: Salvation received conditionally

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

40

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace C. Salvation Received Conditionally

Mk. 16:15-16 Jesus in Great Commission: Salvation received conditionally Hear gospel message Believe gospel Be baptized SAVED by grace through faith!

41

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace C. Salvation Received Conditionally

Acts 19:1-6; Eph. 2:8 At Ephesus: Salvation received conditionally

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

42

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace C. Salvation Received Conditionally

Acts 19:1-6; Eph. 2:8 At Ephesus: Salvation received conditionally

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

43

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace C. Salvation Received Conditionally

Acts 19:1-6; Eph. 2:8 At Ephesus: Salvation received conditionally Heard word of grace Believed gospel Were baptized SAVED by grace through faith!

44

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace C. Salvation Received Conditionally

Eph. 2:9 “Not of works, lest any man should boast” Cannot offer our good works: we sinned God’s grace pardons sin through Christ’s death

when we receive the gift by obedient faith

45

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace D. Begin New Life: Grow in His Grace

Eph. 1:22-23 Yield to Christ as head

22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

46

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace D. Begin New Life: Grow in His Grace

Eph. 2:10 His grace calls us to learn a new life

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

47

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace D. Begin New Life: Grow in His Grace

Acts 9:26 Unite with local church: grow & serve

26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

48

III. Conditions for Receiving Grace D. Begin New Life: Grow in His Grace

1 Jn. 1:9 If err, repent & pray to receive grace

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

IV. Perversions of Grace A. Sincerity Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone Saves

Rom. 16:26 Word of grace requires “the obedience of faith”Ja. 2:24 Faith alone cannot obey God’s grace

49

24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

IV. Perversions of Grace B. Nothing to Do in Order to be Saved

Jn. 6:29 Faith is a work or condition of grace: “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”Gal. 5:6 Must obey God not human tradition

50

6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

IV. Perversions of Grace C. Direct Work of the Spirit & Irresistible Grace

Acts 10:34 Makes God a respecter of persons: “God is no respecter of persons.”Acts 22:16 Makes God responsible for the lost who wait for Him to save

51

16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

IV. Perversions of Grace D. Don’t Need the Church Since Saved by Grace

Acts 20:28 Means we don’t need Christ’s blood: church purchased “with his own blood”Eph. 2:16 All saved by grace are in his church

52

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

IV. Perversions of Grace E. Baptism a Work of Human Merit

Conditions to receive grace not works of merit: hear, believe, repent, confess Christ, baptismTit. 3:5 Baptism not work of our righteousness

53

5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Not by our worksB

UT By

baptism

IV. Perversions of Grace F. Second Chance for Grace After Death

Prayers, masses for the deadBaptism for the deadPreaching in hades or after resurrectionHeb. 9:27 Destiny sealed at death!

54

27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment

V. Spread the Good News: Saved by Grace A. Let All Men Hear of God’s Amazing Grace!

Tit. 2:11 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men”Jn. 4:35 Look on the fields white to harvest

55

V. Spread the Good News: Saved by Grace A. Let All Men Hear of God’s Amazing Grace!

Mk. 16:15-16 The Great Commission

56

15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

57

• Invitation

1. Eph. 2:8-9 God’s amazing grace! 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

58

• Invitation

2. Eph. 2:1-10 God’s grace in context of contrast: His holiness vs. our sinfulness

In our sin: like a drowning man, hopeless, helpless God holy: free & intolerant of sin, yet merciful

59

• Invitation3. Understand & accept this salvation:

Man’s desperate needGod’s supreme gift of graceConditions for receiving gracePerversions of graceSpread the good news: saved by grace!