Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith.” Paul declared that the Ephesians had been saved by grace through faith. By learning what the Ephesians did to be saved by grace through faith, we too can be saved by grace through faith. Consider the following.
The Ephesians Heard the Word of Truth: “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth”(Ephesians 1:13). Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, according to Romans 10:17. We must take heed what we hear (Mark4:24), how we hear (Luke 8:18) and whom we hear (Matthew 17:5). We must be “swift to hear” the Word of Truth (James 1:19).
The Ephesians Believed What They Heard: “In whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians1:13). Faith is composed of belief and trust. There is belief in the facts of the Bible; Christianity is a factual religion (“unless you believe that I am He”). There is also the act of giving oneself over to those facts—trust (“whosoever believes in Him”). Thus, we believe that Jesus is, and we believe in Him.
The Ephesians Repented: “Testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks repentance toward God”(Acts 20:21). The Ephesians demonstrated their repentance by burning their magic books (Acts 19:19). The books were valued at fifty thousand pieces of silver, the value of which today has been estimated at anywhere between $1 million and $5 million. Furthermore, Paul told those in Titus’ area that “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts” was a grace instruction (Titus 2:11-12).
The Ephesians Confessed: “And many who had believed came confessing”(Acts 19:18). Many of the believers confessed their participation in demonic arts, which is a confession against their wrong actions and an admission of their desire to do right. The Great Confession is here implied. As a result of this action, the demonstration was powerful; the work in Ephesus continued in a remarkable way.
The Ephesians Were Baptized: “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus”(Acts 19:5). Twelve Ephesian disciples heard from Paul the message about Jesus, believed and were baptized. They submitted themselves to the saving power of Jesus’ blood. John’s baptism, while preparatory in nature, was not sufficient in applying the lifesaving blood of God’s Son. Thus, they were told—there’s power in the blood! They complied with the message.
Thank God for the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus! May we always live in such a way to honor all we have been given in Him!
