WHAT EPHESIANS 2:8-9 MEAN

[edpobre]

Friends,

Whenever the issue of "salvation by faith ALONE" comes up, apologists for this doctrine always use the above-mentioned verses to defend their position.

But do these verses really mean that one is saved by "faith alone?" Let's see what the verses are telling us: ( :cool: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9) not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Compare these verses to Titus 3: 4-7 which read as follows: (4)"But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward men appeared, (5) not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He SAVED us, THROUGH the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy spirit; (6) whom he poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our savior, (7) that having been justified by grace we should become HEIRS according to the hope of eternal life."

Taking these verses together, we see that:

1) GRACE (Eph. 2::cool: means kindness, love and mercy of God (Titus 3:4-5).

2) NOT OF WORKS (Eph. 2:9) means NOT by works of righteousness that we have done (Titus 3:5).

3) IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD (Eph. 2::cool: means that salvation is made available by God's grace, kindness, love and mercy, NOT by the works of righteousness that we have done.

4) THROUGH FAITH (Eph. 2::cool: means through the WASHING of regenAND renewing of the holy spirit (Titus 3:5).

5) HAVING BEEN JUSTIFIED BY GRACE (Titus 3:7) means that by God’s kindness, love and mercy, we have been saved THROUGH faith or washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.

Take note that after one has been SAVED by God's grace, kindness, love and mercy THROUGH faith or washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy spirit, one becomes HEIR according to the hope of eternal life.

The questions are: What does "washing of regeneration" mean? How does one know for sure that he has gone through the "washing of renegeration" that makes one an HEIR of God and JOINT HEIR with Christ (Romans 8:17) according to the hope of eternal life?

[LouisBooth]

you are saved by faith and are born again by the spirit..you believe, that's all it takes. That's how you "know" ;) the works are anything that you would do to make yourself holy (outside) like baptsim, circumsicion, sprinkling, anything that is outward and not inward. :)

[edpobre]

LouisBooth,

You wrote: you are saved by faith and are born again by the spirit..you believe, that's all it takes. That's how you "know" the works are anything that you would do to make yourself holy (outside) like baptsim, circumsicion, sprinkling, anything that is outward and not inward

I believe the verses I quoted are self-explanatory. They do not need yiour interpretation. And the questions don't need any interpretation either.

I would appreciate your answering the questions if you can or keep your peace if you can't. Thanks a lot.

Ed

[LouisBooth]

"But do these verses really mean that one is saved by "faith alone?" "

Yes.

"What does "washing of regeneration" mean? "

spiritual birth.

"How does one know for sure that he has gone through the "washing of renegeration" that makes one an HEIR of God and JOINT HEIR with Christ (Romans 8:17) according to the hope of eternal life?"

Believe in your heart. let me add a commentary here too

"Verse 5 makes clear that "righteous things" do not earn us acceptance by God. Rather, they are a natural response from people who have experieced God's forgivness and love."

[ZoneChaos]

Ed, I just want to point out that you also interpreted them when you quoted them... ;)

[edpobre]

ZoneChaos,

Titus 3:4-7 is not my interpretation of Ephesians 2:8-9. They are both writings of apostle Paul. Apostle Paul clarifies in Titus 3:4-7 what Ephesians 2:8-9 means.

Ed

[ZoneChaos]

I notice that in Titus 3:5 Paul does not say that washing and regeneration = faith.. yet you state as much in you r post above? Is this not your interpretation of Titus 3:5? and is not aplying this interpretation yet another interpretation?

[edpobre]

ZoneChaos,

In 1 Cor. 2:13, apostle Paul wrote: "These things we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual."

Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:4-7 are both word of God and are both true. As apostle Paul teaches, we cannot take one verse and disregard the other. While it is true that Titus 3:5 doesn't say "faith=washing of regeneration", it does say that "we are saved THROUGH the washing of regeneration." How else can one be saved by the grace of God? Ephesians 2:8-9 says we are saved THROUGH "faith."

Let me ask you ZC, one says he has faith but has not gone through the process of "washing of regeneration," will that man be saved THROUGH "faith" ALONE? And can one undergo "washing of regeneration" WITHOUT faith? Can't you see that "faith" and "washing of regeneration" go hand in hand? "Washing and regeneration" is the work that makes your "faith" perfect.

Therefore, one who has undergone the "washing of regeneration" is one who has true perfect faith.

[ZoneChaos]

First, washing of regeneration is not a "process". It is an instantaneous act of God.. it is redempion of our sins, inacted by God as a result of our repentance and our faith that He will save us.

You see, Salvation through Faith is the big picture, and washing of regeneration is a part of the picture. But the washing of regeneration doe snot equal salvation, but only is a part of it.

[edpobre]

ZoneChaos,

You wrote: First, washing of regeneration is not a "process." It is an instantaneous act of God..it is redemption of our sins, inacted by God as a result of our repentance and our faith that He will save us.

Washing of regeneration means redemption through the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of sins. The only way by which one is redeemed by the blood of Christ is to become a member of his church or body which he purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:2:cool: .

Only members of his body or church receive redemption or washing of regeneration. Before one becomes a member of his body or church, he must first receive the messengers sent by God and listen to them (John 13:20; Luke 10:16) in order to receive Jesus and acquire the right to become a child of God (John 1:12).

Then, as Jesus commanded, one must believe what he hears and get baptized into the body or church of Christ (Mark 16:15-16). Only then can one receive redemption through the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:13-14), and adoption as son of God (Gal. 4:4-5).

You wrote: You see, Salvation through Faith is the big picture, and washing of regeneration is a part of the picture. But the washing of regeneration is not equal salvation, but only is a part of it.

Titus 3:5 says He SAVED us THROUGH the washing of regeneration. There is no doubt that washing of regeneration is equal to salvation.

If you go down to Titus 3:7, you will note that after having gone through the washing of regeneration, we are justified by grace and BECOME heirs according to the hope of eternal life. That means we become children of God (Gal. 4:7) and therefore HEIR of God and joint-heir with Christ (Rom. 8:17).

Ed

[ZoneChaos]

Then, as Jesus commanded, one must believe what he hears and get baptized into the body or church of Christ (Mark 16:15-16). Only then can one receive redemption through the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:13-14), and adoption as son of God (Gal. 4:4-5).

All three of these are "Salvation".

[LouisBooth]

Ed, why don't you read Roman's chapter 3-4 and tell me about how it just says all it takes is faith ;)

[yashualover]

First, washing of regeneration is not a "process". It is an instantaneous act of God.. it is redempion of our sins, inacted by God as a result of our repentance and our faith that He will save us.

You see, Salvation through Faith is the big picture, and washing of regeneration is a part of the picture. But the washing of regeneration doe snot equal salvation, but only is a part of it.
Regeneration precedes faith.

[plmarquette]

Hebrews 11.6 ....
without faith ... it is impossible ...

faith is the assurance of what is written, the certainty of that to come ... Hebrews 11.1

the answer to salvation by faith ,,, healing by faith ... forgiveness by faith .... impartation and vision by faith .....

[Once4all]

...
Take note that after one has been SAVED by God's grace, kindness, love and mercy THROUGH faith or washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy spirit, one becomes HEIR according to the hope of eternal life.

The questions are: What does "washing of regeneration" mean? How does one know for sure that he has gone through the "washing of renegeration" that makes one an HEIR of God and JOINT HEIR with Christ (Romans 8:17) according to the hope of eternal life?


You didn't highlight enough. The concern should be what is "washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy spirit" because they are both essential.

The washing of regeneration is when our past sins are washed away in baptism, giving us a clean (pure) conscience before God.

2 Peter 1:9 - For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.

Acts 22:16 - 'Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.'

Acts 2:38 - Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

When we have received the washing of regeneration and given the Holy Spirit, then by the power of the Holy Spirit we are to renew our minds. The renewing of the Holy Spirit is our sanctification. First we are washed (cleansed of old sins), then we are sanctified (made to sin no more).

1 Corinthians 6:11 - Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

Romans 12:2 - And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 6:22 - But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 - But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.

[D.W.]

Shalom, Shalom

Note that it is by works that man shows he has faith.

James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
James 2:15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
James 2:16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
James 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

G-d Bless,
Dan

[yashualover]

"But do these verses really mean that one is saved by "faith alone?" "

Yes.

"What does "washing of regeneration" mean? "

spiritual birth.

"How does one know for sure that he has gone through the "washing of renegeration" that makes one an HEIR of God and JOINT HEIR with Christ (Romans 8:17) according to the hope of eternal life?"

Believe in your heart. let me add a commentary here too

"Verse 5 makes clear that "righteous things" do not earn us acceptance by God. Rather, they are a natural response from people who have experieced God's forgivness and love."
Faith is a free gift.

Can a dead man revive himself?

The pride of man wants something to boast about.

[D.W.]

shlom,

James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
James 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

G-d Bless,

Dan

[yashualover]

shlom,

James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
James 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

G-d Bless,

Dan
Shlom DW,

I made an interesting observation.

The phrase Rahab the harlot sounded like a strange way to describe a born again sister.

I must say I agree with Clarks commentary, it speakes to me as truth.

Heb 11:31
The harlot Rahab perished not - See this account Jos_2:1, Jos_2:9, Jos_2:11, and Jos_6:23, where it is rendered exceedingly probable that the word זונה zonah in Hebrew, and πορνη in Greek, which we translate harlot, should be rendered innkeeper or tavernkeeper, as there is no proper evidence that the person in question was such a woman as our translation represents her. As to her having been a harlot before and converted afterwards, it is a figment of an idle fancy. She was afterwards married to Salmon, a Jewish prince; see Mat_1:5. And it is extremely incredible that, had she been what we represent her, he would have sought for such an alliance.
Received the spies with peace - Μετ’ ειρηνης· The same as בשלום beshalom, giving them a kind welcome, good fare, and protection. After these words the Slavonic adds: Και ἑτερᾳ ὁδῳ εκβαλουσα, and sent them out another way.

[EGW]

Through faith we receive the grace of God; but faith is not our Saviour. It earns nothing. It is the hand by which we lay hold upon Christ, and appropriate His merits, the remedy for sin. And we cannot even repent without the aid of the Spirit of God. The Scripture says of Christ, "Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." Acts 5:31. Repentance comes from Christ as truly as does pardon.

The light shining from the cross reveals the love of God. His love is drawing us to Himself. If we do not resist this drawing, we shall be led to the foot of the cross in repentance for the sins that have crucified the Saviour. Then the Spirit of God through faith produces a new life in the soul. The thoughts and desires are brought into obedience to the will of Christ. The heart, the mind, are created anew in the image of Him who works in us to subdue all things to Himself. Then the law of God is written in the mind and heart, and we can say with Christ, "I delight to do Thy will, O my God." Psalm 40:8.

Do you realize your sinfulness? Do you despise sin? Then remember that the righteousness of Christ is yours if you will grasp it. Can you not see what a strong foundation is placed beneath your feet when you accept Christ?

[yashualover]

:wave:

Eph 2:8 for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
Eph 2:9 not of works, that no man should glory.
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.

God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Those who do not fully accept or understand the above verse may not be saved, the pride of man wants to say I chose Him or I did this or I did that, the proud do not see their sin, their total depravity.

The natural man receives not the things of God, Yaveh MUST supernaturally change their heart before they will have any desire for Him.