Ephesians 2:1-10 is one of the clearest passages on the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith (in Christ) apart from works. Paul began by telling us what we were before we were saved (2:1-3). We were dead in our trespasses and sins, and walked in those sins as we followed the course of this world – a world in opposition to God. Paul ends the passage with a clear statement of salvation by grace through faith apart from works (vv. 8-9). Verse 10 is important because it indicates that because we saved, we must conduct ourselves differently. Before we were saved, we “walked” according to the course of this world” (vs. 2). After we are saved, we are to “walk” in the good works which God has prepared for us (vs. 10). In between those two passages are verses 4-7 which tell us how God in his grace and mercy, and because of His great love made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses (vv. 4-5).