Saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9)

A plain explanation of salvation as God’s gift — and why works can’t purchase it.

Ephesians 2:8–9 is one of the clearest summaries of salvation in the Bible.

Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Grace: salvation starts with God, not us.

Through faith: faith is how we receive the gift — trusting Christ, not ourselves.

Not of works: good works matter as fruit, but they are not the price of salvation.

If your heart says, “I must earn it,” come back to the word gift. A gift is received, not purchased.