5 SOLAS OF THE REFORMATION:

1. Sola Scriptura - Scripture Alone

2. Sola Fide - Faith Alone

3. Sola Gratia - Grace Alone --> today’!

4. Solus Christus - Christ Alone

5. Soli Deo Gloria - To God’s Glory Alone

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1. What We Were (Eph. 2:1-3)

"And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world." – Ephesians 2:1-2

Before God's saving grace, we were spiritually hopeless—not just flawed but spiritually dead. Paul describes this state as being under the world's influence, controlled by Satan ("the prince of the power of the air"), and deserving of God's wrath.

Our condition included:

• Dead: No spiritual life, unable to respond to God.

• Deviant: Living by the corrupt patterns of the world.

• Devilish: Under Satan's influence, disobedient.

• Defiled: Ruled by sinful desires, incapable of righteousness.

• Doomed: Deserving God's punishment.

Understanding our true, spiritual condition helps us see the necessity of grace—as our helplessness showcases God's work on our behalf.

2. What God Did (Eph. 2:4-6)

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ." – Ephesians 2:4-5

The phrase "But God" signals a turning point—God acted to save sinners, not because of anything we did, but purely out of His mercy and love. Salvation is God’s work alone—achieved through three actions:

—Made us alive with Christ: Spiritual resurrection, marking a new birth.

—Raised us up with Christ: Sharing in Christ's victory over sin.

—Seated us with Christ: New status in the heavenly realm, united with Him.

These acts emphasize that all grace comes through Christ.

3. Why God Did It (2:7)

"So that in the ages to come, He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." – Ephesians 2:7

God's intervention showcases His grace's "surpassing riches" throughout eternity, demonstrating His kindness by saving the undeserving. We are God’s trophies of grace!

4. By Grace Alone (2:8a)

"By grace you have been saved." – Ephesians 2:8

Grace separates Christianity from other religions. These religions emphasize human effort over grace. Yet, it is God’s unmerited favor that saves, reaching even the most undeserving. This is a gift, not something earned. John Newton, who wrote "Amazing Grace," understood this deeply after experiencing God's grace despite his sinful life in the slave trade. Even today, we can sing we were once “wretches” because of God’s amazing grace.

5. Through Faith Alone (2:8b)

"By grace you have been saved through faith." – Ephesians 2:8

Faith is the means by which we receive grace, but it is not the source of salvation—grace is. Faith involves trusting in Christ’s work on the cross, not our ability to believe. Even this faith is a gift from God.

6. Not a Result of Works (2:9)

"And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." – Ephesians 2:8-9

Salvation is a gift that cannot be earned through works. If it were, boasting would be possible, undermining the essence of grace. As Paul notes in Romans 11:6, grace and works are mutually exclusive in achieving salvation.

7. Saved for Good Works, Not by Good Works (2:10)

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." – Ephesians 2:10

While good works do not save us, they are the result of genuine saving faith. They confirm, but do not cause, our salvation. God's grace transforms us, enabling lives that honor Him.

FAITH LESSONS

As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:31, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." This teaches us:

—Humility: Grace humbles us, reminding us that we did nothing to earn salvation.

—Holiness: As recipients of grace, we are called to live differently from the world.

—Honor to God: Our salvation is for God’s glory, and our lives should reflect gratitude to Him.