Ephesians 2:9

9 so that it may be impossible for any one to boast.

Ephesians 2:9 Meaning and Commentary

Ephesians 2:9

Not of works
Of any kind, moral or ceremonial, before or after conversion, done without faith or in it, nor of these in any sense; works are neither the moving causes, nor the procuring causes, nor the helping causes, nor "causa sine qua non", or conditions of salvation; the best works that are done by men, are not done of themselves, but by the grace of God, and therefore can never merit at his hand: and salvation is put upon such a foot,

lest any man should boast;
of his works before God, and unto men; wherefore he has denied works any place in justification and salvation, in order to exclude all boasting in man; and has fixed it in a way of grace, and has chosen and called poor sinful worthless creatures to enjoy it, that whoever glories, may glory in the Lord.

Ephesians 2:9 In-Context

7 in order that, by His goodness to us in Christ Jesus, He might display in the Ages to come the transcendent riches of His grace.

8 For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves. It is God's gift, and is not on the ground of merit--

9 so that it may be impossible for any one to boast.

10 For we are God's own handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for good works which He has pre-destined us to practise.

11 Therefore, do not forget that formerly you were Gentiles as to your bodily condition. You were called the Uncircumcision by those who style themselves the Circumcised--their circumcision being one which the knife has effected.