Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” This verse teaches us some profound truths about our identity and purpose as followers of Christ.
We are God’s workmanship
The word translated “workmanship” in Ephesians 2:10 is the Greek word “poiema,” which refers to something that has been made or produced by effort. Just as a potter works clay into a vessel, or an artist paints a masterpiece, God has made us into new creations in Christ. We are His handiwork, formed by Him for His purposes. This truth elevates our sense of value and worth. We are not mere objects, but intricately fashioned by the hands of the Divine Craftsman.
God began this creative work when we placed our faith in Jesus for salvation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Through spiritual rebirth, the old sinful self dies, and we become completely renewed and transformed people. God is the active agent who brings about this change in the believer’s life. It is His operation from start to finish.
The fact that we are God’s workmanship carries several implications. First, all Christians have inherent dignity and value regardless of their background, social status, or ethnicity. Our worth comes not from our own achievements but from what God has accomplished in us. Second, we can have assurance that God will continue His transformative work in our lives, making us increasingly Christlike. He does not give up on us halfway through. Third, we gain a new perspective on life’s trials. The difficulties we face are part of God’s process of reshaping us into the image of His Son. They are integral to His craftsmanship in our lives.
Created in Christ Jesus
Ephesians 2:10 specifies that we are God’s workmanship “created in Christ Jesus.” Our new identity is inseparable from our spiritual union with Christ. We were dead in sin and under condemnation, but when we trusted in Christ for salvation, we were joined together with Him in a vital, life-giving relationship. His righteousness was imputed to us, and He took the penalty for our sins upon Himself. We exchanged our old self for a new self defined by Christ.
Being “in Christ Jesus” also speaks of an intimate fellowship and companionship with our Lord that transcends time and space. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, Christ takes up residence within the believer’s heart in a mysterious way. We are invited into a “co-union” where our lives become intertwined with His.
Furthermore, to be “in Christ” means we are included in His body, the church. We have a new family and community of faith as brothers and sisters in Christ. No one can be right with God apart from identification with Jesus and connection to His people.
Created for good works
One of the key truths we learn about our design as God’s workmanship is that we were “created for good works.” Becoming a Christian is not the end goal, but only the beginning. We are saved by grace through faith, but this salvation must manifest itself in a changed life characterized by love, service, righteousness, and obedience to Christ. Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26).
The “good works” in view here are not works of the law by which we might earn favor with God. Rather, they represent the spirit-empowered outworking of true justifying faith. As believers, we are equipped and called to serve Christ in holiness and honor. Our devotion to good works brings glory to God as the unique craftsmanship of His grace in our lives is displayed.
Examples of the good works God has prepared for us include serving in the local church, evangelism, acts of mercy, ethical living, financial generosity, and using spiritual gifts to build up fellow believers. Pleasing the Lord should be our overriding purpose even in mundane daily tasks and responsibilities. All of life is meant to be lived to the glory of God.
Prepared beforehand by God
A marvelous truth in Ephesians 2:10 is that the good works God intends for us to walk in have been “prepared beforehand” by Him. Our sovereign and loving God mapped out these plans for our lives before we were even born. He knows the unique mission and calling He has for each of us. Our duty is simply to rely on His wisdom and yield ourselves as instruments to be used for His righteous purposes.
God equips and positions His workmanship to carry out the works He envisioned from eternity past. He supplies the spiritual gifts, talents, abilities, time, resources, and opportunities needed to accomplish them. We can have confident assurance that as we submit to God’s will, He will lead us into paths of fruitful service for His kingdom. Even difficulties that come across our path become opportunities for ministry when surrendered to His purposes.
While God is working out His broader plan for our lives, we still have a responsibility to apply wisdom and make choices within that framework. Ephesians 5:15-17 cautions believers to walk circumspectly and redeem the time, understanding God’s will. As we seek God’s guidance through prayer and His Word, He directs our steps each day towards fulfilling His perfect plan.
We should walk in God’s prepared works
The concluding phrase of Ephesians 2:10 says God’s workmanship is “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Here our responsibility is brought into focus. We are not passive participants in God’s program, but active partners. While He equips us for service, we must choose to walk in obedience to His commands.
Our “walk” refers to the pattern of daily conduct that reveals our true spiritual state. Do our actions align with our high calling as new creations in Christ? Are we yielding our members as instruments of righteousness, or have we lapsed into disobedience and fleshly behavior? We glorify God by walking worthily in the works He prepared for us, not by excuse-making and compromise.
Thankfully, the power to live an overcoming Christian life does not come from self-effort but from Christ’s indwelling Spirit. As we yield control of our lives to Him, He energizes and enables us to do God’s will even when it is challenging or uncomfortable. Our responsibility is to completely surrender our will to His purposes each day.
Summary and application
Ephesians 2:10 highlights profound truths about our identity in Christ. We are God’s “workmanship,” or His handiwork, created anew through faith in Jesus. Our old sinful self has passed away, and we are now defined by our spiritual union with Christ and inclusion in His body. This new status demands a changed life characterized by “good works” – serving God out of hearts of love, gratitude, and obedience.
Moreover, we discover that God prepared specific plans for our lives, mapping out “good works” He intended for us to fulfill for His glory. As we yield to His will, He leads us into righteous living and fruitful ministry. Walking daily in obedience and surrender to the Spirit’s guidance is key to fulfilling our purpose as God’s workmanship.
This precious truth transforms how we see ourselves and our lives. We are not aimless beings adrift on the tides of chance. Through the redemptive work of Christ, we have become masterpieces bearing the signature of the Divine Craftsman. Our lives gain eternal significance when we understand they are part of God’s grand mosaic, each stone carefully placed to reveal His majesty and grace.