Grace As The Basis Of Salvation In Ephesians 2:1–10: Exegetical Theological Analysis And Its Implications For The Formation Of The Contemporary Christian Faith
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Abstract
This study departs from the diversity of theological interpretations of the relationship between grace, faith, and deeds, which in practice have the potential to influence the understanding of faith, Christian ethics, and church life today. The purpose of this study is to examine exegetically-theologically the Apostle Paul's thinking on grace in the work of salvation as stated in Ephesians 2:1–10, and to examine its relevance to the formation of believers' faith in the contemporary Christian context. This study uses a qualitative method with an exegetical-theological analysis approach, which includes the study of the historical context of the writing of the Ephesians, the analysis of the literary structure of the passages, and the study of key theological terms related to sin, salvation, faith, and good works. The results of the study show that according to Paul, the condition of man before receiving salvation is that of spiritual death because of sin and transgression, being under God's wrath, and not having the ability to save himself. Salvation is fully an initiative of God's grace revealed through Christ's redemptive work and accepted by man through faith. Good deeds are not the basis or condition of salvation, but are the fruits and consequences of the salvation that Allah has bestowed upon them. These findings confirm that God's grace does not negate the ethical responsibility of believers, but rather forms the basis for a sustainable transformation of life. Believers who live in grace are called to live in holiness, to do the good works that God has prepared, and to grow toward maturity of faith. Thus, grace serves not only as a soteriological basis, but also as a foundation for the formation of a dynamic and contextual Christian faith. This research contributes to the study of Paul's biblical theology and soteriology by elucidating the relationship between grace, faith, and works, and offers a relevant theological framework for the understanding and practice of the Christian faith in the context of the church and contemporary society.
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