BY, THROUGH, FOR... [How we are saved?]
Ephesians 2:8–10 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

BY - THROUGH - FOR
The Biblical Order: Christianity
Ephesians 2:8–10 – True Gospel Order
BY grace – God’s unearned favor and initiative. Salvation originates from Him.
THROUGH faith – Our humble response of trust, not effort.
FOR good works – The result, not the requirement; a transformed life is the fruit of salvation, not the root.

This is a one-way rescue. God saves us, we receive it, and then we walk in newness of life because we are already saved.

The Common Reversal: Other Religions and Systems
Most religions flip this order. Here’s how:

1. Islam
BY good works,
THROUGH obedience,
FOR possible mercy

Salvation is earned by performance—prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and pilgrimage. Grace is not the basis, but a possible outcome if one has “done enough.”

Faith is replaced with compliance; grace becomes uncertain.

2. Mormonism (LDS)
BY grace (after all you can do)
THROUGH works and ordinances
FOR exaltation

Grace is not the starting point but the backup plan. Salvation depends on lifelong striving and temple rituals. Faith alone is insufficient.

3. Catholicism (traditional view)
BY grace infused at baptism,
THROUGH sacraments and obedience,
FOR final justification

Grace begins the journey, but you must maintain it through confession, penance, and sacraments to ultimately be justified.
Grace initiates but does not guarantee salvation; works sustain it.

4. Buddhism
BY personal enlightenment,
THROUGH detachment and meditation,
FOR escape from suffering

No concept of a gracious God or sin-forgiveness. The path is entirely self-driven and inward.
The human will is central; grace and faith are absent.

5. Secular Humanism (modern religion of self)
BY effort,
THROUGH authenticity or success,
FOR self-fulfillment

Salvation is self-actualization. The goal is to feel whole by doing enough or being true to yourself.
The self replaces God, and good works become the savior.

The Danger of Reordering the Gospel
Whenever the biblical order of salvation is altered, two things happen:
Pride creeps in – “I’m doing this. I’ve earned this.”
Peace disappears – “Have I done enough?”

This is why Paul was so insistent:
“If it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” —Romans 11:6

Why This Matters
Getting the order right is not a theological nuance—it’s life or death. The moment we mix up BY, THROUGH, and FOR, we fall into either self-righteousness or despair.

Only the Gospel says: “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
All others say: “Get to work.”