Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 25:70 (Spring 2021)
Article: Τηε Εμphasis Of God’s Grace Alone: Demonstrated In The Greek Text Of Ephesians 2:8–9
Author: Jeffrey P. Tomkins

JODT 25:70 (Spring 2021) p. 71

Τηε Εμphasis Of God’s Grace Alone:
Demonstrated In The Greek Text Of Ephesians 2:8–9

Jeffrey P. Tomkins

* Jeffrey P. Tomkins, B.S., M.S., M.C.Ed., Ph.D., Director of Research, Institute for Creation Research, Dallas, Texas

One of the key New Testament passages describing the believer’s salvation is contained in the declarative sentence of Ephesians 2:8–9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” While various aspects of the Greek text of this verse have been discussed on many occasions in Christian literature, the essential Pauline usage of emphasis through both word order and articulation seems to have been largely neglected in favor of discussing other more complex grammatical issues. When one adds the importance of both word order and articular emphasis to the existing exegesis on this sentence, along with its place in the immediate surrounding context of the epistle, one finds a deeper and even more emphatic truth concerning “the grace” alone by which one is saved.

Context

Ephesians 1

In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul outlined the mystery of God’s eternal plan which has been unveiled in regard to his selecting those individuals who are predestined to salvation and adoption as his children through the redemption accomplished by Jesus Christ along with their sealing by the Holy Spirit. The miracle of salvation is accomplished by the ministry of the gospel in those who hear and believe the word of truth. Paul then prayed that redeemed believers in Christ Jesus would know God more deeply and personally, grasping more fully the hope of his calling and his glorious inheritance in the saints, along with a deeper understanding of his mighty power toward them. The same enabling power provided to live a godly Christian life was demonstrated when Christ was raised from the dead and seated in the heavenlies. Furthermore, Paul informed the formerly pagan Ephesian believers that all created things, including the cosmic powers, were placed under Jesus’ feet and Christ was made head of his body, the church.

JODT 25:70 (Spring 2021) p. 72

The Buildup (Eph 2:1–7)

The immediate context of Ephesians 2:8–9 is the buildup in verses 2:1–7 that form one long sentence. The first part (vv. 1–3), which could be seen as parenthetical, outlines the terrible an...