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Recent polls reveal that over 75% of Americans call themselves Christians. These numbers, however, contrast sharply with the evidence moral decay prevalent in today’s society.

Further, they differ significantly from the spiritual decay rampant in the Church of Jesus Christ. These prominent evils draw attention to an improper, incomplete doctrine of salvation. On numerous occasions, the Scriptures address this very problem.

One such passage, Ephesians 2.1-9, clearly defines the way of salvation. It identifies fallacies as well as facts. This commentary will examine the text which contains four elements of the way of salvation: the fallacy of good works, the total helplessness of mankind, regeneration by the grace of God, and saving faith.

The fallacy of good works (Ephesians 2.9)

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul makes it clear that the works of sinners have no part in the way of salvation. These works include all effort, acts, deeds, doings and labors. Thus, religious ceremonies fail to bring salvation, whether communion, baptism, or confirmation.

Religious activity falls short, too. Church attendance, activities, and good works play no role in the way of salvation. Religious knowledge (e.g., Biblical knowledge, information about God and Jesus Christ) does not make the grade either.

Finally, neither does the family’s religious heritage have a role. The text speaks clearly and definitely. Mankind contributes no works to the way of salvation, a fact confirmed elsewhere in Scripture (Isaiah 64.6; Romans 3.20; Titus 3.5).

The total helplessness of mankind (Ephesians 2.1, 5)

In addition, these references describe the total helplessness of mankind. They do so by clearly identifying sinners without Christ as “…dead in trespasses and sins.”

The spiritual condition of all sinners before Christ is described as dead, lifeless, having no life toward God and unresponsive to Him.

Further, the sinner embraces the course of this world and of satan, and disobeys God.

Consequently, a man without Christ fulfills his own lusts and desires of his flesh. Sinners become corrupt in their affections, defiled in mind and conscience, and filled with evil thoughts and imaginations (Genesis 6.5; Titus 1.15). As children of wrath, they are blind to the truth of God (1 Corinthians 2.14).

Without question, this Biblical description of sinners leaves no room for modern excuses. Sinners do not suffer inherently from psychological, emotional, or educational problems. Nor do they commit “mistakes” and “misunderstandings.”

No, Scripture describes them as thoroughly sinful, helpless, lifeless, and hopeless. They are without any good, unable to effect their salvation from the just condemnation of God upon them.

Regeneration by the grace of God (Ephesians 2.1, 5, 8)

Without hope in himself, mankind needs relief from outside of himself to remedy his condition. No amount of self effort can satisfy God. But that’s where God enters the scene.

In sovereign grace, God quickens sinners and makes them alive and responsive to Himself. This new life or being “born again” comes as a gift from God, entirely unearned and undeserved by those who experience it. The Holy Spirit regenerates them, removes their stony hearts, and gives them new hearts.

In other words, no sinner can obtain salvation without the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit in his/her life. God alone does this work in and for sinners in grace. Only He by His Spirit can perform it.

Saving faith (Ephesians 2.8)

Not only does the Holy Spirit regenerate sinners and give them new life, He makes them responsive to God and enables them to believe in Jesus Christ, God's provision for sinners.

The Spirit causes the sinner to believe certain facts: the sinner’s sinfulness and helplessness to satisfy God; the sinner’s need for a savior; the truth concerning Jesus Christ, God's provision for sinners (His death, burial, and resurrection) which atones for the sin of the sinner to God; and the provision of salvation to all who believe in Jesus Christ.

Further, the Holy Spirit brings the sinner to trust Christ's accomplishments as completed on his/her behalf. Resting on no other thing, the sinner leans confidently upon Christ alone for salvation from sin.

If you have laid hold of eternal life by faith in Jesus Christ, give Him the glory for His grace and mercy. The Holy Spirit worked the new birth from above in your heart and brought you to trust God's provision for you in Jesus Christ. He alone deserve the honor, glory, and praise.

If you have not trusted in Christ, listen to His command to you today. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved (Mark 1.15; John 3.16; 20.31; Acts 16.31).

You can know eternal life today by casting your trust upon the Savior of sinners, Jesus Christ. Claim His death as atoning for you.

^“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” John 20:31