Ephesians 2:9 – Lest anyone should be boasting

For in grace, through faith, are you saved, and this is not out of you; it is God’s approach present, not of works, lest anyone should be boasting.

The words “and this is not out of you” refer to all previously stated in this sentence. In English you cannot see this, but in Greek, in which Paul wrote this down, you clearly can. Salvation and faith are a total package: it is all grace and nothing out of ourselves.

That everything is grace, including believing, is essential. Because if there were anything of ourselves, we had reason to praise ourselves. Even if it was only our sensible choice to believe God. Forget about it. Just like salvation, faith is GOD’s achievement. Because He opens ears, eyes and hearts. He convinces. That is his merit.

Nobody has made himself. It is GOD who has come up with us and who shapes us. It is he who gives everything in his time. And so He also gets all the honor. And if He is able to make me believe, then He can give it to everyone. In fact, every creature will come to a hearty recognition of Him (Phil. 2:11) and boast in Him alone!

Delen: