For by grace you have been saved through faith…

- Ephesians 2:8

In his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul reminds us that we have been saved by grace through faith. It's interesting to note that the Bible talks about salvation in three different tenses. Often, the Bible tells us that we have "been saved," much like it says here in Ephesians CH. 2. Yet, sometimes, the Bible says that we are "being saved" (1 Cor. 1:18). At other times, the Bible says that we will "be saved" (Romans 5:9). What is scripture saying? Are we saved multiple times? Absolutely not.

There is only one salvation and one way of salvation. What occurred in our past, works itself out in the present, and is fulfilled in the end. Our past salvation leads us to our future glory (Romans 8:29–30).

When Paul writes that we have been saved, Paul means that we have been made right with God. Christ paid the price for sin on His cross; those who believe are no longer under the PENALTY of sin. Paul then writes that we are being saved, that daily, through Christ and the influence of the Holy Spirit, we are resisting the POWER of sin. 


And lastly, Paul writes that we will one day be saved, that is, Christ will return and remove us from the PRESENCE of sin forever.


What did His salvation accomplish? In His death, Christ consumed the PENALTY of sin meant for you. Through His resurrection, you have the strength to resist the POWER of sin. At His return, Christ will remove you from the PRESENCE of sin forever. Free from the Penalty of sin. Free from the reign and POWER of sin. Free one day from the presence of sin forever— what a day that will be.

Until that day, rest and rejoice in your great salvation.

Press on,
Pastor Harp

Use This in Your Personalized Scripture Journal

As you reflect on Ephesians 2:8, take time to write through these prompts:

·       Do I truly believe salvation is a gift?

·       Where am I still striving to earn God’s approval?

·       What fears drive my need to perform?

·       How would my life look different if I fully rested in grace?

·       What does faith mean to me personally?

Grace shifts the foundation of your identity. You are not saved because you are good enough — you are saved because God is gracious.

Use this space to write a prayer thanking God for His gift of salvation and asking Him to help you live confidently in that grace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ephesians 2:8 mean?
It teaches that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, not earned by human effort.

What is the difference between grace and faith?
Grace is God’s undeserved favor. Faith is the trust through which we receive that gift.

Does this mean good works don’t matter?
Good works are the result of salvation, not the cause of it. They flow from gratitude, not obligation.

Why is it hard to accept grace?
Many people are conditioned to earn approval. Grace challenges that mindset by offering acceptance freely.

How can journaling help me understand grace better?
Writing reflections helps identify areas where you are still striving and reinforces truth about your identity in Christ.