By Grace Through Faith: A Bible Study on Ephesians 2:8–10


This study walks through Ephesians 2:8–10 (NIV), unveiling how God’s unmerited favour (grace) and our response (faith) define both our salvation and our purpose. We’ll observe the text, interpret key terms, see how it connects to related passages, and apply its truths to daily life. Reflection questions conclude the study to help you personally engage with its message.
1. Scripture Passage
Ephesians 2:8–10 (NIV)
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Holy Bible: New International Version, 2011)
2. Observation
“By grace … through faith” identifies both the source and the channel of salvation (GotQuestions.org, 2023) (GotQuestions.org).
“It is the gift of God” underscores salvation as wholly God’s initiative (Redeeming God, n.d.) (Redeeming God).
“Not by works … no one can boast” excludes any human merit (GotQuestions.org, 2023) (GotQuestions.org).
“God’s workmanship” depicts believers as God‐crafted masterpieces (Place for Truth, 2019) (Place For Truth).
“Good works … prepared beforehand” reveals that God has ordained our service in advance (BibleGateway NIVAC, n.d.) (Bible Gateway).
3. Interpretation
3.1 Defining Grace (charis)
In Greek, charis carries both “undeserved favour” and “empowering presence,” describing God’s initiative in salvation and sanctification (Enduring Word, n.d.) (Enduring Word).
3.2 Faith as Reception (pistis)
Faith is not a human work but the God-enabled means by which we receive His gift (Olliffe, 2017) (Bible Gateway).
3.3 Gift, Not Reward
Because salvation is given freely, no human effort can earn it—so all glory belongs to God alone (GotQuestions.org, 2023) (GotQuestions.org).
3.4 Workmanship and Calling
The term poiēmata (workmanship) signals that believers are God’s handiwork, created in Christ for divinely appointed good works (Bible.org, 2013) (Bible.org).
4. Cross-References
- 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” showing grace as ongoing strength (Holy Bible: NIV, 2011).
- Romans 11:6: “If by grace, then it cannot be by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace,” reaffirming the exclusivity of grace (Holy Bible: NIV, 2011).
- Titus 2:11–12: “For the grace of God has appeared… training us to live godly lives,” illustrating grace’s role in teaching holiness (Enduring Word, 2014).
5. Application
Receive Grace Daily
Begin each morning confessing your need and asking, “Lord, fill me with Your unmerited favour and power” (Piper, 2020).
Embrace Your Identity
Live as God’s masterpiece, resisting self-reliance and boasting (Guzik, 2014).
Walk in Prepared Works
Seek and serve in the good works God has preordained—whether in your church, workplace, or community (Place for Truth, 2019).
Cultivate Faith Reception
In trials, remember faith is the posture of receiving God’s gift, not a performance to earn it (Redeeming God, n.d.).
6. Reflection Questions
What does “by grace … through faith” reveal about God’s character and your dependence on Him?
How does seeing yourself as God’s workmanship affect your view of self-worth and purpose?
In what areas are you tempted to rely on effort rather than grace?
Which “good work” do you sense God has prepared for you, and what first step will you take this week?
How does 2 Corinthians 12:9 reshape your perspective on weakness and need?
References
Bible.org (2013) ‘Lesson 2: What Does It Mean to Be Saved? (Ephesians 2:8–10)’, Bible.org. Available at: https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-2-what-does-it-mean-be-saved-ephesians-28-10 (Accessed: 4 May 2025). (Bible.org)
BibleGateway NIV Application Commentary (n.d.) Ephesians 2:8–10. Available at: https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/nivac-sample/eph.2.8-eph.2.10 (Accessed: 4 May 2025). (Bible Gateway)
Enduring Word (n.d.) ‘Ephesians 2’, Enduring Word Bible Commentary. Available at: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/ephesians-2/ (Accessed: 4 May 2025). (Enduring Word)
Guzik, D. (2014) ‘Ephesians 2’, Enduring Word Bible Commentary. Available at: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/ephesians-2/ (Accessed: 4 May 2025). (Enduring Word)
GotQuestions.org (2023) ‘What is the meaning of Ephesians 2:8–9?’. Available at: https://www.gotquestions.org/Ephesians-2-8-9.html (Accessed: 4 May 2025). (GotQuestions.org)
Holy Bible: New International Version (2011) Ephesians 2:8–10; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Romans 11:6. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Olliffe, M. (2017) ‘Is “Faith” the “Gift of God”? Reading Ephesians 2:8–10 with the Ancients’, The Gospel Coalition UK. Available at: https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/article/is-faith-the-gift-of-god-reading-ephesians-28-10-with-the-ancients/ (Accessed: 4 May 2025). (Bible Gateway)
Petiprin, A.K. (2022) ‘By Grace Through Faith: A Sermon on Ephesians 2:8–10’, MLJ Trust. Available at: https://www.mljtrust.org/sermons/book-of-ephesians/by-grace-through-faith/ (Accessed: 4 May 2025). (Place For Truth)
Place for Truth (2019) ‘A Walk of Good Works: Ephesians 2:8–10’, Place for Truth. Available at: https://www.placefortruth.org/blog/a-walk-of-good-works-ephesians-28-10 (Accessed: 4 May 2025). (Place For Truth)
Redeeming God (n.d.) ‘Ephesians 2:8–10 — The Perfect Present’. Available at: https://redeeminggod.com/sermons/ephesians/ephesians_2_8-10/ (Accessed: 4 May 2025). (Redeeming God)
Piper, J. (2020) ‘What Is Grace?’, Desiring God Interviews, 8 May. Available at: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-grace (Accessed: 4 May 2025). (GotQuestions.org)
Titus 2:11–12 commentary (2014) Enduring Word Bible Commentary. Available at: https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/titus-2/ (Accessed: 4 May 2025). (Enduring Word)