FOR GOOD WORKS

“For 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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:8-10

Recently I was asked what my favorite Bible verse is. When that question comes up, I always turn to Ephesians 2, especially verses 8 through 10. Paul’s words in this chapter remind us of our former position in sin compared to our new position in Christ and why we have been saved.

In verse 10, I’m always struck by the word ‘workmanship’ that Paul uses to describe believers. My (very) limited understanding of the Greek word poiema reveals that it refers to a creative work, like a valued piece of art or a poem. In high school, I was never very good at understanding or writing poetry, but I know that most poems require an incredible amount of thought, planning, and effort to craft words and phrases that express the desire and heart of its creator.

What an incredible thought that our God and Savior would consider us His creative and heartfelt ‘poem’. We are His workmanship, brought to life as something completely new, not just a rearrangement of the old parts, but a new creation in Jesus (2 Cor. 5:17). All God’s creative effort and divine purpose has been poured into us as believers!

As believers, what are we to do as God’s workmanship? Verse 10 gives us a beautiful answer: we are created for good works that He has prepared for us (Eph 1:11, Ps. 139:16). Not to be prideful or boastful, but to honor and glorify God and His gift of salvation (Gal. 6:14, 1 Cor. 1:26-31). God’s grace changes us, makes us new. We have been transferred from death to life in Jesus.

Charles Spurgeon said of these verses, “Grace is the fountain and the stream; faith is the aqueduct along which the flood of mercy flows down to refresh the thirsty sons of men.” What a wonderful thought that God’s mercy and grace do refresh us, enabling us to walk in all the good works God has prepared for us (Rom. 8:28-30, Phil. 2:13)).

As believers, it’s always good to reflect on the truth that our salvation is nothing that we could ever achieve ourselves. Our salvation is entirely the work of God the Father, accomplished through Jesus and sealed forever by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13-14, 2 Cor. 1:21-22). We are His creative poem--intentionally and lovingly formed for good works through Jesus.

I hope that we will always be amazed that we were once dead in our sins and are now and forever the divine, poetic workmanship of a good and gracious God. This is not by our own efforts, but we have been made completely new through Jesus. We are forever in debt to God’s grace, the God who loved us, redeemed us, and prepared us for every good work.