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not of works, lest anyone should boast.<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n We didn\u2019t do anything to earn our salvation.<\/p>\n \u201cNot<\/span>\u201d is translated from the Greek particle ou<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cno or not.\u201d It expresses direct and full negation, independently and absolutely.<\/p>\n The word translated \u201cworks<\/span>\u201d is ergon<\/em>, from which we get our English word ergonomics. Ergon<\/em> refers to \u201cany work, deed, act, or action;\u201d that is, it refers to \u201csomething done.\u201d It is expressed here in the genitive case, which implies \u201cof\u201d or \u201cfrom.\u201d But here it is coupled with ou<\/em><\/span> by means of the preposition ek<\/em><\/span>, which means \u201cout of\u201d or \u201cfrom.\u201d Thus we could translate the first part of this verse as \u201cnot as a result of something you do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLest<\/span>\u201d is from two Greek words. The first is the conjunction hina<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto the end that\u201d or \u201cin order that.\u201d The second Greek word is m\u0113<\/em><\/span>, which indicates a conditional negation.<\/p>\n \u201cAnyone<\/span>\u201d is translated from tis<\/em><\/span>, which is an indefinite pronoun. It is variously translated as \u201canyone, someone, or a certain one.\u201d<\/p>\n The words \u201cshould boast<\/span>\u201d are from the verb kauchaomai<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cto boast, glory, or exalt, either in a good or a bad sense.\u201d It is expressed in the subjunctive mood, indicating something that is not happening but might have the possibility of happening.<\/p>\n In order to get the full meaning of today\u2019s verse, let\u2019s look at it along with yesterday\u2019s verse.<\/p>\n For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is<\/em><\/span> the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.<\/span> (Ephesians 2:8-9<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n In the preceding verses Paul has been talking about the incredible value of God\u2019s grace. We saw in verse seven that God\u2019s purpose in salvation is to shine the spotlight on His marvelous grace. Paul went on to point out in yesterday\u2019s verse that our salvation is the result of this grace of God. We also learned that His grace and our faith unto salvation are a gift to us from God. Now he completes that thought.<\/p>\n Paul tells us that salvation is not the result of any action or actions taken on our part. If we did something to gain this salvation, then it is not a gift; instead, it would be something that we earned. Here\u2019s what Paul says in the book of Romans about earning something as opposed to receiving it as a gift:<\/p>\n Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,<\/span> (Romans 4:4-5<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n Now, if we did not do anything to earn this salvation which we count so precious, then we cannot \u201cun-earn\u201d it. That is to say that if we didn\u2019t do anything to earn it, we can\u2019t do anything to lose it, and God does not take away the gift of salvation.<\/p>\n The precious truth which we see in this verse is that we didn\u2019t earn salvation, so we can\u2019t lose it once we have it \u2013 ever!<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Application<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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