Explaining the Meaning of Ephesians 2:8-9

(You are not saved by grace---UNLESS!)

After many years of hearing the wrong interpretation of these scriptures in Ephesians I felt compelled to properly explain what these scripture actually say with regards salvation.

Before I proceed I will show you a common and my most recent response from an individual claiming to understand the scriptures.

“Sir, Baptism is not a saving act...in fact one is saved by faith as Ephesians 2:8-9 plainly state.
There are several articles at (location of this lie is not shown) you might like to read. The word they recieved was to believe and repent of their sins.”


By not knowing what is meant by the word 'BELIEVE' you will go a stray trying to understand the salvation process. Millions have gone a stray because of this one deception alone.

To further understand scripture you MUST know who is talking and to whom the letter was intended.

Ephesians 1

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Paul is the author and he is writing to the saints at the church in Ephesus. NOW, who are the saints at Ephesus, how did the church get started and what do they believe, in regards to salvation.

Aquila and Priscilla –leaders in the Church in Ephesus

1. Acts 18:2
And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

2. Acts 18:18
And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

Paul stayed with Priscilla and Aquila for quite a while teaching them the truth about salvation, after baptising them in the name of Jesus Priscilla and Aquila became quite versed in the subject.
How do I know they were baptized---read more.


1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

The Church in their house was the church in Ephesus where all members were baptized into Jesus and filled with the Holy Ghost. This is who Paul is writing to in the Book of Ephesians, a church at the home of Aquila and Priscilla
All baptized into Jesus – all saved by God’s grace—the grace of baptism for the washing away of sins. If you are not saved according to the doctrine of salvation as taught by Paul then you are not saved by God’s grace.


Acts 18
24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

More perfectly means baptism in Jesus name for remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Romans 16:3 Paul says;
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

What was Paul’s main Message for Salvation?

Acts 19

1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

Paul did not ask at first if they were baptized because ALL believers were baptized. The Holy Ghost is a free gift after being baptized into Jesus name. When the disciples said they had not heard of the Holy Ghost Paul quickly asked them how they were baptized. When Paul discovered they were not baptized correctly he explained to the disciples a more perfect way.

4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Therefore just because you say you’re a believer does not mean you are saved according to scripture as Paul clearly pointed this out to these disciples. Priscilla and Aquila also pointed this out to Apollos. There are millions of people today that say they believe in Jesus as the Son of God BUT are not saved according to scripture. Believing does not complete the salvation process—baptism in Jesus name and the receiving of the Holy Ghost completes the salvation process. If believing was enough then why did Paul re-baptized these disciples and lay hands on them?

8 And he (Paul) went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

As you should be able to see now that Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus, believers that are baptized into Jesus and filled with the Holy Ghost. If you are Baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins then Paul is also speaking to you in Ephesians, further explaining your salvation to YOU.

Many people are using the scriptures in Ephesians to denounce the need for baptism for salvation. They are stating that baptism is a work but, what did Jesus state about baptism?

Jesus said; that being baptized is a righteous act, meaning the right thing to do. Jesus was baptized, Paul was baptized and the disciples were baptized including ALL true believers were baptized, first into John’s baptism, then a more perfect way came later and that was into Jesus. When Jesus was on earth He oversaw many baptisms but did not baptise anyone Himself. Paul, later in his ministry, also backed away from baptising people so no one could boast about being baptized by Paul. I am sure Jesus foresaw the boasting if he was to have baptized people. The fact is that baptism is a righteous act and not a work—someone made this up and it is a BIG lie, a lie that is turning many from salvation, a lie that has been passed down from generation to generation. Many good people truly believe that they are saved by faith or by just believing---and they are NOT! A true believer was ALWAYS baptized into Jesus or they were not considered to be believers. True believers follow commandments and baptism is a commandment from Jesus Christ Himself.

Jesus said that Baptism is a Righteous Act

Matthew 3:14-16
14 But John forbid him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Jesus stating that being baptized is a righteous act, an act that is required by ALL!

16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

When Jesus was baptized the Holy Spirit came upon him—this only happened to Jesus when baptized under John’s baptism of repentance—WHY? Because Jesus was born without sin (without Adam’s sin) He was the perfect spotless Lamb of God. John’s baptism did not remove the curse nor did it have the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost. BUT when we get baptized into Jesus name this remits sins and it does have the promise of the Holy Ghost. Re: Acts 19:1-6

Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Baptism is NOT a work—it is a righteous act of obedience to His word.

Acts 10:35
But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

Every nation and all people that follow Him through death, burial and resurrection is accepted. Christ is not a respecter of persons.

A Few Examples of Baptism

Romans 10:10
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

How so clear is the above scripture in explaining baptism. It says, when you believe you will believe unto righteousness (baptism is a righteousness act) confession is repentance.

Acts 16
14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

Has the Lord opened your heart or has He hardened your heart? She did as Paul taught her and that was Baptism in Jesus name.

15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Baptism is a faithful act toward the Lord

The Baptism of the Prison Guard--and ALL his house, including children

30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

Hearing the word of the doctrine of Christ may cause some to believe and to believe means to be baptized into Jesus and then you receive the free gift of the Holy Ghost.

33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

Baptized without delay, the jailer and his entire household. WHY? To remit sins and to receive the Holy Ghost. If you have not Christ then, you are none of His. Baptism puts you in the church and the church is in the body of Christ.

Ephesians 2
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Acts 18
8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.

Acts 22 Paul telling of his own baptism.

12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,

13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.

14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Baptism in the name of Jesus washes away sins. To call on the name of the Lord means; to pray before you commence any ceremony such as a service or a baptism calling on the Lord/Holy Ghost to be present to give power and authority.

What does it Mean To Be Quickened? -- to be made alive!

Ephesians 2
1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (quickened comes after baptism) read (Romans 6)

How do you become quickened?

1 Corinthians 15:36
Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:
(You have to DIE!)You do not die when you first believe--you die at Baptism and it is Baptism which saves.(again read Romans 6) Baptism is a BIG part of the salvation process.


Ephesians 2:1
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Ephesians 2:5
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Christ was quickened and made alive at His resurrection after He died and so are we after we die at our baptism and the we are raise out of the water with newness of life.(we are made alive in Christ --Christ in You)

1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

1 Corinthians 15:45
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
–Christ in you is your hope of Glory.

Again, How do you become quickened?

--We have to die in the like manner of Christ’s death. This process is achieved through Baptism in Jesus name and when we are raised out of the water we are made alive (quickened). We have a new spirit, we are new creatures in Christ, we are sons, we are in the body of Christ and we are the Church of Christ.

Ephesians 2:1
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; -Before baptism we are dead in our sinful state BUT after baptism we are quickened and made alive in Christ.

Ephesians 2:5
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (Christ lead the way to salvation--all we have to do is to follow Him HOW? in baptism! Baptism in Jesus name opens the door to the other side.)

Colossians 2:13
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; (Acts 2:38)

How Do We Die and How are We Quickened?

Romans 6 --Apostle Paul is explaining the Baptism Process and How it remits sin and How we received Christ Spirit. Also note, just as in Ephesians Paul is talking to the Church, people already Baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost. Therefore, if you are not baptized in Jesus name then Paul is not talking to or about You!

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

4 Therefore we are buried with him (HOW) by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Just saying that you ‘believe’ does not accomplish this process and you are NOT saved. YET!

6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
(when we are buried in Baptism we are dead with Christ BUT when we are raised out of the water and filled with His spirit we are made alive in Christ)
He draws us to the water--when we are baptized He is with us in death--when we are raised out of the water He is in us in newness of life.


9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Romans 8
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

You MUST have Christ in YOU to be in His body—the Church.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

At Baptism our body dies--

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Apostle Paul speaks the same way throughout all his letters to the saints.

What is Grace and what does it mean to be Saved by Grace?

GRACE –dictionary meaning
1 a : unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification
b : a virtue coming from God
c : a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace
2 a : approval, favor
b archaic : mercy, pardon
c : disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency
d : a temporary exemption : reprieve

We are living in a Grace Period—a period of time set aside for man to be saved. Once Christ was resurrected it was over, He had the victory and the Keys of Hell and Death. At this point and time He could have set up His Kingdom BUT He has given us a period of Grace—a Grace Period also known as the Birth Age. During this extended time we have an opportunity to be saved according to the Doctrine of Salvation as taught by Apostle Paul. Therefore, if you are baptized into Jesus for the remission of sins and filled with the Holy Ghost then and ONLY then can you say we are saved by Grace. Grace being a period of time and Grace being God’s love and kindness towards us—His elect in Christ Jesus.

Romans 6
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
That Doctrine is The Doctrine of Salvation as taught by the Apostle Paul

Hearing the Word Leads to Salvation


Acts 2
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

They Believed the Word and they Believed in Jesus—Then they asked what shall we do? Just believing is not enough for salvation.

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Repent of your sinful life. Remove the sin you are born with and all sins you had committed up to this day by being baptized into Jesus name. Paul says that when we are baptized we are buried with Him — we are dead, as the penalty for sin is death. When we are raised out of the water we are made alive by the quickening of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 6)

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.

Jesus said He will not turn away those whom the Father will send to Him.

40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
NOTE: All the believers were together--All baptized people were called believers.
Many of us do not believe together as the early Church, of which baptism was commonly understood for true believers.


45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread (communion) from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. You can ONLY be added to the Church by baptism into Jesus –Acts 2:41

John 6:44
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. I can teach the truth by the Holy Ghost but except a persons eyes are open….

Communion -- just a few scriptures, but there are more

John 6
56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

Jesus did the Works – Baptism is NOT a WORK – it is a Commandment!


John 10:25
Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.

Ephesians 2:10
For *we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Baptism is NOT a WORK! The work was all done by Jesus, all we need to do is follow Him through the door unto salvation.

*we – those which are baptized into Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost as ONLY we are a product of His work done on the cross. –I say we — we could easily be YOU as well, just follow the Doctrine of Salvation.

Matthew 28
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

This is a commandment directly and personally from Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the full name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost. He came in His Father’s name. (note: this is not the original Hebrew name given to Jesus but, the name Jesus is acceptable for us today as it is a transliteration.

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Jesus’ Baptism


Matthew 20:22
But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

Matthew 20:23
And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.

The ONLY difference between our Baptism and Jesus’ Baptism is that He had to actually physically die to shed His blood, this is what He did in our place but, we still have to follow Him in Baptism, which touches His blood and remits our sins.

Luke 12 –Jesus said
50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!

How was Jesus to made right unless He fulfilled His course to the Cross? No salvation in this age without baptism into His name -- this is how we follow Him.

John 3
22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

24 For John was not yet cast into prison.

25 Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.

Jesus stood by and watched as the disciples baptized many people unto repentance. WHY?
Because it was the right thing to do --- righteousness being fulfilled.


John 4
1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

Do you wish to be part of the Doctrine of Salvation and have all the good things that salvation brings?
Then follow us, the Church of Christ into His Body and be saved by Baptism into Jesus and receive His Spirit. Then YOU really and TRULY can say "You are SAVED by GRACE! God's love and kindness towards us.


To Learn more about the sin of the world and salvation please read:
Salvation According to Scripture!

God Bless!