Ephesians 2:8-9 — saved by grace through faith, not of works; personal story of Catholic friend Tony

Ephesians 2:8-9: 'By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.' Mike recounts debating his Catholic friend Tony late at night. When Mike quoted this verse, Tony said, 'If that was in the Bible that would be scary' — and then when shown it, said 'I don't think it means what you think it means.' The anecdote illustrates how theological presuppositions can override plain scriptural meaning.