For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)
God's grace is his empowerment to live the life that He calls us to live. So, being saved "by grace" means having received that empowerment from God and actually be living the life that we can live for God because of it. It's also possible to receive the grace of God "in vain" (2 Corinthians 6:1), meaning someone's life doesn't change as a result of receiving the grace of God. For instance, the person continues to live in sin and claims God's grace is allowing that or that there is nothing to worry about because salvation is "by grace." These would be misunderstandings of what the grace of God is given for. God's grace isn't his favor for looking the other way from our sins if we're still sinning (many wrongly believe that about God's grace). But God's grace is what teaches us how to say 'No' to sin. Read Titus 2:11-14 to connect the grace of God with salvation and what it means to be saved by grace, what kind of new life actually comes from that. See also Romans 6:1-2, 12-15, 2 Peter 1:2-11.
And "through faith" would mean that faith is what allows us to connect to God's grace and be saved. So, when a person hears God's word and believes it and acts upon it, the grace of God will be at work to bring that person to a new life in Christ (Romans 6:4, 2 Corinthians 5:17).
yet we know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, ... (Galatians 2:16)
Faith in Jesus Christ consists of obeying Him (John 3:36), doing what He says (Luke 6:46, Matthew 7:21), being a doer of the word and not a hearer only (James 1:22). And faithfulness to the end is implied (Hebrews 10:39).
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (John 3:36)
Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say? (Luke 6:46)
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)
21 Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness [that's repentance], receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word [that's faith], and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. (James 1:21-22)
35 Therefore do not throw away your boldness, which has a great reward. 36 For you need patient endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise. 37 "For in just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay. 38 But the righteous will live by faith, and if he holds back, my soul has no pleasure in him." 39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul. (Hebrews 10:35-39)
Let it also be noted that the epistle to the Ephesians was addressed to an assembly of believers who had experienced being saved by grace through faith. So, the saying in Ephesians 2:8 was not in itself an instruction on how to get saved or born again, even possibly without having a precise understanding of what the Bible actually teaches about grace or faith or even repentance, which is necessary for salvation. But since that scripture is being used in that way and leading many to be deceived about what they think is their salvation by grace through faith, this post is intended for those who are seeking the truth.
God be with you!
See also:
Is Repentance Just a Change of Mind?
Freedom From Sin
Connecting with God - video playlist
Works Of Faith Are Not Works Of The Law - video
Forgiveness of Sins Is Not Something You Just Claim
True Humility Is Needed to Cry Out for Salvation
"Our own righteousness is as filthy rags"
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