Eph. 2:8-9 Many denominations use the text to prove that sinners are saved entirely by grace, without any obedience, particularly baptism. This sermon will demonstrate, phrase by phrase, that the text teaches quite the opposite. The text teaches that God demands obedience from those who would be saved.
1. By Grace Are You Saved: Rom. 5:8, 15 (God's grace abounds in the offering of Jesus Christ. Grace is the basis upon which salvation is offered, not the basis upon which it is obtained.) Heb. 2:9 (Grace brought about substitutionary atonement [at-one-ment].)
But this grace demands obedience: Titus 2:11-12 (Grace does not teach you to continue in sin, it teaches you must live soberly and righteously.) Acts 13:43 (People were taught to continue in grace. Grace requires obedience.) Rom. 2:4 (God's grace calls upon you to obey, not disobey.)
2. Through Faith: Heb. 11:6 (All will acknowledge that faith is required.)
But faith demands obedience: Jas. 2:20-22 (Real, Biblical faith is completed in obedience.)
3. Not Of Yourself: Heb. 9:22, Col. 1:14 (Blood is essential to cleansing and the blood of Christ, not your own, is provided for that work.)
Prov. 20:9 (No person can say they have cleansed themselves.)
But this concept demands obedience: Prov. 3:5-6 (Looking away from self to God demands you do as God directs. You cannot clean yourself so you must follow God's will to get to the blood he has supplied.)
4. Not Of Works: Gal. 2:16 (Works here indicates works of the law of Moses. Man cannot be saved by the law of Moses or by works of his own plan.)
This concept demands obedience: Phil. 3:9 (Righteousness is obtained not by your own plan but by the faith (system) of Christ.) Rom. 10:3 (To avoid seeking salvation by your own works [righteousness] you must submit yourself [obey] to God's righteousness.)
Conclusion: God demands obedience. If you want to be saved by grace, you must obey God. You are called into his grace [Gal. 1:6] by obeying his gospel [2 Thes. 2:14, Mk. 16:15-16].)
Topic