What does Ephesians 2:8-9 mean?

From dead to alive

Ephesians is a letter traditionally from Paul to the church in Ephesus, though some scholars think a follower wrote in his name. Chapter 2 begins by describing people as dead in their sins (Ephesians 2:1). Then God, rich in mercy, made them alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5). Dead people do not raise themselves. That is the background to verses 8 and 9.

Grace, faith and gift

Grace is God's undeserved kindness. Faith is how we receive it, like an open hand. And the whole thing is a gift. Christians debate whether "this is not from yourselves" refers to faith itself or to the whole of salvation, but either way the source is God.

Then why do good works?

The very next verse says we are God's handiwork, created in Christ for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Works are not the root of salvation. They are the fruit. Everyone agrees on that much, but Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Christians describe the connection differently, especially on justification and how faith works itself out in love.

No one can boast

This verse levels everyone. The most religious person and the most broken person come to God the same way, with empty hands. That is humbling, and for many it is a relief: you do not have to earn your place.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast., Ephesians 2:8-9