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Grace the Key to Unlocking the Power of the Gospel (Ephesians 2:8)
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Arts
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I7-1714002
Abstract
This paper examines grace (χάρις) as the theological key that unlocks the power, efficacy, and transformative reach of the Gospel. Anchored in Ephesians 2:8, the study argues that grace is not merely a doctrinal concept but the divine operative force that initiates salvation, sustains faith, empowers ethical living, and fuels Christian mission. Using biblical exegesis, systematic-theological reflection, and contextual application (with particular attention to contemporary African and Nigerian realities), the paper demonstrates that the Gospel loses its power wherever grace is misunderstood, diluted, or replaced with legalism, merit, or prosperity reductionism. The work contributes to Pauline soteriology by integrating grace as both gift and power, emphasizing its Christological, pneumatological, and ecclesial dimensions.
Keywords
Grace, Gospel, Salvation, Faith, Power, Pauline Theology, Ephesians
References
[1] Barth, K. (2004). Church dogmatics, IV/1: The doctrine of reconciliation. T&T Clark. (Original work published 1956)
[2] Bird, M. F. (2021). An introduction to the New Testament (2nd ed.). Zondervan Academic.
[3] Bock, D. L. (2020). Ephesians. Baker Academic.
[4] Briggs, R. S., & Horrell, D. G. (2023). Faith, belief, and trust in the New Testament. Cambridge University Press.
[5] Fee, G. D. (2019). Pauline Christology: An exegetical-theological study. Baker Academic.
[6] Fowl, S. E. (2020). Theological interpretation of Scripture. Cascade Books.
[7] Gorman, M. J. (2020). Becoming the gospel: Paul, participation, and mission. Eerdmans.
[8] Grudem, W. (2020). Systematic theology: An introduction to biblical doctrine (2nd ed.). Zondervan.
[9] Koester, C. R. (2022). Hebrews: A new translation with introduction and commentary. Yale University Press.
[10] Moo, D. J., & Schreiner, T. R. (2024). Biblical theology: Covenants and the people of God. B&H Academic.
[11] Thiselton, A. C. (2019). The hermeneutics of doctrine. Eerdmans.
[12] Westerholm, S. (2022). Justification reconsidered: Rethinking a Pauline theme. Eerdmans.
[13] The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. (2021). National Council of Churches.
How to cite this paper
@article{1714002,
author = {Godson Udochukwu Ukanwa Ph.D},
title = {Grace the Key to Unlocking the Power of the Gospel (Ephesians 2:8)},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {7},
pages = {2524-2527},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1714002.pdf},
abstract = {This paper examines grace (χάρις) as the theological key that unlocks the power, efficacy, and transformative reach of the Gospel. Anchored in Ephesians 2:8, the study argues that grace is not merely a doctrinal concept but the divine operative force that initiates salvation, sustains faith, empowers ethical living, and fuels Christian mission. Using biblical exegesis, systematic-theological reflection, and contextual application (with particular attention to contemporary African and Nigerian realities), the paper demonstrates that the Gospel loses its power wherever grace is misunderstood, diluted, or replaced with legalism, merit, or prosperity reductionism. The work contributes to Pauline soteriology by integrating grace as both gift and power, emphasizing its Christological, pneumatological, and ecclesial dimensions.},
keywords = {Grace, Gospel, Salvation, Faith, Power, Pauline Theology, Ephesians},
month = {January},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I7-1714002}
}