We read those precious words in Ephesians 2:8. The complete thought in that verse reads, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
The Gift – Surely everyone enjoys receiving a special gift. No gift is more valuable than the spiritual gift that is available to all people: the gift of salvation. Because all of us have sinned, we all need that salvation. In the Bible it also is stated that “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). What a gift!
The Giver – Twice already we have seen who the Giver of salvation is. It is none other than the God of heaven. He alone has the power to impart such a wonderful gift. And, He wants to give it.
The Grace behind the gift – Again, the language of Ephesians 2:8 is, “For by grace are ye saved . . .” Whose grace would that be? God’s. Grace means favor or kindness. When God grants us His wonderful salvation, He is giving us a gift which we do not deserve and cannot earn.
The Blessed People who receive the gift – Those who are forgiven are saved by grace “through faith.” Via the system of faith (the gospel) we learn of God’s plan to save us from sin, and when we respond to that gospel message with the right kind of personal faith, God washes away our past sins. Earlier in that same book of Ephesians, we learn that all spiritual blessings are in Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). It also is true that through the Lord’s grace and blood, we have forgiveness of sins in the Christ (Ephesians 1:7). So, in order to receive the gift of salvation, where does a person have to be? In the Christ.
How does one get into Jesus? By hearing, believing, and obeying the gospel –– by being baptized for the remission of sins (Romans 6:3,4). Yes, God grants salvation to those who submit to His terms. Have you done so?
— An article written by Roger D. Campbell