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NASB | Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 2:8 For it is by grace [God's remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; |
Subject: Faith a gift? |
Bible Note: Hi Brad, I am sorry to disagree with your answer, but I feel it is difficult to prove a point by plucking out a verse without looking at the verses that precede, or follow the thoughts we are trying to interpret. Romans 10:17 is offered as the prooftext, but looking a little closer, verse 17 is a continuation of a passage that begins in verse 13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Although there are many that do hear the Word yet do not believe. So,this thought goes much deeper than the simple statement so it is continued, for clarification in v. 14. "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" Verse 15 continues with the connecting word "But" (I am in the KJV) and again, v.16 begins with "But" and verse 17 begins with "So then" -meaning the author is going to sum up the words that came beforehand. Paul is saying that the word preached is the ordinary way of gaining faith and those that believe have first heard the Word. Yes, Faith cometh by hearing. So what does Jesus have to say, since not all those who hear do actually believe? The different responses to God's Word are not dependent upon grace, for we all receive grace. So as Jesus declares "no one can come to Me unless it is granted him by the Father." (John 6:65) He further relates in the same passage: " all that the Father gives to Me will come to Me." (John 6:37) Now, both phrases have in common the words, "Come to Me" -which simply mean to believe in Him. So taken together we can learn that no one can believe in Him unless God grants it, and also everyone that God grants to believe, will believe. I am of the mind that this interpretation lines up closer to your second verse, that of Rom 12:3 According to these verses then, God grants faith, a faith that will with no doubt arise in the hearts of those to whom He has given His Son. Lord Bless, and grant us faith keliy |