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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; |
Bible Question:
Am I correct in saying that according to this verse, faith is a gift? Thanks! |
Bible Answer: The Amplified version is wrong on this point. The "this" refers to what comes immediately before it, "faith" and not to salvation. So, Paul is saying that we are saved by grace through faith and that this faith is a gift from God. Just because believing (faith) is a mental "action" does not mean it can't be a gift from God. Repentance, too, is an action, but it is a gift of God's grace as well. Acts 11:18 When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, "Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life." 2 Tim 2:25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, So, Huron, I agree with your understanding of this verse. |