Ephesians 2:9

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

It was not the result of your own [good] deeds [See Titus 3:5], so that no one could boast [about it].

Cross References

Romans 11:6

And if [they were selected] by God’s unearned favor, [then] the choice is not based on the good that people may do. Otherwise, God’s favor would not be [really] unearned.

Romans 3:20

This is because no human being can be considered right with God by [obeying] the requirements of a law. [Note: It is difficult to determine the exact sense in which “law” is used in these verses. It may be law generally, or the Law of Moses specifically. See Bruce, pages 52-58]. For the knowledge of what sin is comes from the Law of Moses.

Romans 4:2

For if Abraham had been made right with God by doing good deeds he would have had something to boast about, but not in God’s presence.

Romans 9:11

– See Verse 12

Romans 9:16

So then, it does not depend on what a person wants or does, but on God, who shows pity [i.e., to whomever He wants].

2 Timothy 1:9

[It is] God who saved us and called us to live holy lives [or, “to be dedicated people”], not as a result of our [good] deeds, but in harmony with His own purpose and unearned favor. [This was] given to us through [the atoning work of] Christ Jesus, before the beginning of time. [Note: Salvation through Christ was planned before time began. See Titus 1:2; Rom. 16:25; Eph. 1:4].