GOD'S AMAZING GRACE (Part IV)

                                                                         Ephesians 2:8-10

 

  Introduction:

        A.  Two questions about salvation:

   I.   Can we save ourselves by works?  "And that not of yourselves"  Eph. 2:8.  "not

         of works"  Eph. 2:9

         A.  God's word plainly teaches that we can't be saved by our works.  Examples:

              1.  Abraham was not justified by works.  Romans 4:1-5

              2.  Jesus teaches us that we are unworthy servants; Luke 17:10

              3.  God has not saved us because of our achievement.  II Timothy 1:8-9, Titus 3:5

              4.  Remnant not saved by works.  Romans 11:5-6

   II.  Are we saved by God's grace?  "For by grace are ye saved"   "It is the gift of

          God"  Eph. 2:8.  "For we are His workmanship" (masterpiece or poem)  Eph. 2:10

          A.  God's word teaches that we are saved by God's grace.  Examples:

               1.  The Roman christians.  Romans 3:23-24; Romans 5:12-17, 212; Romans 6:23

               2.  Paul reminded Titus that they were saved by grace.  Titus 3:4-7

          B.  Three essentials for something to be a gift:

                    Something offered                                                      Salvation

                    A giver                                                                          God

                    A receiver        Christians through                            obedient faith

   Conclusion:

           A.  Grace received by faith:

                1.   Repentance is faith expressing a change of will.  Matthew 21:28-32

                2.   Confession is faith expressing a change of allegiance.  Acts 8:37

                3.   Baptism is faith expressing a change of relationship/condition.  Romans 6:3-7