How are we saved according to Ephesians 2:8?
Ephesians 2:8 teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Grace is God's unmerited favor, and faith is the channel, so salvation is not earned by works or merit. It is something you do not work for.
Les explains that Ephesians 2:8-10 is simple: "For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God." He connects grace to the unmerited favor of God discussed in Romans and stresses that this is not anything we can do. He illustrates with Israel on the shore of the Dead Sea, who could not do a thing. He says you do not work for a gift or merit a gift; if you did, it would no longer be a gift. Salvation is a gift, not something earned.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: