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Ephesians 2:8 Is Not What You Think
What if I told you “not from works so that no one can boast” in Ephesians 2:8, does not include baptism – but not because of why you might think? It wasn’t what I thought either.
1. Baptism is not a “work” of man, but is a “work” of God (Colossians 2:12). But that is not why baptism is not a “work” here in Ephesians 2:8. Thst is why baptism is neither included or excluded.
2. In fact, the “works” here are not what we do to become saved at all! But again, it is not because belief, repentance, confession, and baptism are not works of God he demands. He does.
3. The “works” in Ephesians 2:8 are what we did not do to stay “saved”! That’s why we are saved by grace through faith!
See, what Ephesians 1-7 is teaching is we have all sinned (same as Romans 3:23). Therefore the works of 2:8 is not about becoming saved. It is saying you need to be saved by faith because all cannot be saved by living the perfect life of sinlessness.
So is baptism required to be saved? According to Jesus (Mark 16:16); Paul’s own life (Acts 22:16); and elsewhere it is (1 Peter 3:21). The “works” are not righteous works commanded by God done to become saved. The “works” are a righteous life done so that we don’t need saving by God! Who can boast they don’t need God?! Not me. Not anyone! Not you!
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