NOTES for Eph 2:8-9

For a person who has come to faith in Christ, life truly changes, especially at first: what used to be unbearably difficult - to be kind, honest, loving - suddenly becomes possible (it is a pity that it soon becomes difficult again). And around us is the same world, sinful people... How can one not become proud, not exalt oneself?

It is precisely to such people that the apostle Paul speaks, reminding them that they (and all of us) have in no way earned this grace of God, that it was sent to us not for our "exploits" but because of the voluntary redeeming sacrifice of the Son of Man. And the faith by which we receive this grace of salvation is also not our achievement, but a gift from God, because He is the one who made us able to believe and He sent us the Holy Spirit, who directs our faith in the right direction.

We have nothing to boast of except God, because we owe Him everything good in our life. Therefore we have no reasons and no right to judge those whose faith and deeds do not please us.