For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
This verse shows us that God has created each of us on purpose and for a purpose. The meaning of Ephesians 2:10 should encourage us with what Jesus has done for us AND inspire us to live in the purpose he’s set before us.
We are going to look at what this verse means and how it applies to our lives today. Let’s start by looking at the context.
The Context Of Ephesians 2:10
Ephesians was a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus. The first half of the letter deals with theological issues, and the latter half speaks to how to put them into practice.
Throughout this letter, Paul emphasizes that it is through grace that we are saved. There is nothing that we can do to earn salvation. This means that we are all on an even playing field. None of us deserve what God has given us, therefore we should not brag as we are all unworthy.
As we get to Ephesians 2 we see Paul further explain this. We are saved so that we can do good works; we do not do good works to be saved.
Paul is explaining what should be our motivation. He’s telling us that God has called us to do something significant, and we should do these good works. But we do this not to elevate ourselves or to earn God’s favor. We do this in response to what he has done.
Now that we know the context let’s take a closer look at the Ephesians 2:10 meaning.
The Meaning Of Ephesians 2:10
This verse centers around living in the calling that God has placed on our lives. But we must remember the context; we don’t do this to earn anything but rather in response to what God has given us. The meaning of Ephesians 2:10 must be understood from within this context.
For We Are God’s workmanship Meaning
We are God’s handiwork, or workmanship. This comes from the Greek word poiēma which means something that is made or crafted with skill. In other words, we are God’s masterpiece.
This is recalling the previous verses; Paul is reminding his readers that salvation is something that God has produced. We did not do it, nor did we earn it. Through Jesus, we are created new, a masterpiece done by a master worker.
Created In Christ Jesus To Do Good Works Meaning
Our good works are not meant to earn salvation but are meant to be a result of salvation. We are God’s handiwork who were created to do good works.
The word “created” comes from the Greek word ktizo which means to create something in a way that only he can. God has created you to do something incredible. He didn’t save you so that you can live a mundane life, but to live a meaningful story.
God has freed you from sin and given you a new purpose to live for. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God’s masterpiece created to do something meaningful.
Which God Prepared In Advance For Us To Do Meaning
Paul ends this verse by telling us that this has been part of God’s plan for a long time. He has created a unique path for each person to do good works. This points to the sovereignty of God and the lengths he went to include us in what he is doing.
God has given you unique gifts, skills, and passions to accomplish the work that he has set before you. You don’t need to copy or compare your work to someone else’s. He created you for a specific purpose. He’s provided salvation for you; now in response you do the good works he’s prepared for you to do.
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that God is the one who has saved us and challenges us to live in light of his sacrifice.
How Ephesians 2:10 Applies To Your Life
So, how does the meaning of Ephesians 2:10 apply to our lives? I want to end by giving you two ways you can live out this verse.
1. Accept God’s Grace
Just a few verses prior in Ephesians 2:8 Paul writes, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
The first step in applying Ephesians 2:10 to our lives today is to accept the gift of grace. There’s nothing we can do to earn this, we simply accept it.
You are God’s masterpiece; he’s written an incredible story for you. But he won’t force you to live in it. The choice is yours.
2. Live In God’s Purpose
Once we’ve accepted God’s gift of grace we are called to live for a new purpose. God has created you to live a meaningful life that will leave a lasting impact in this world.
Every follower of Jesus should prayerfully consider who God has uniquely gifted and wired them. Then they should leverage those gifts for God’s kingdom. This doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Ask yourself this, who’s around me? And what do they need that I can provide?
If you simply do those two things you will be well on your way to living in God’s purpose for you. And I believe that life will be far more rewarding, joyful, and meaningful than anything else you can live for.
Now check out: What You NEED To Know About The Ephesians 4:26 Meaning (in your anger do not sin)
BA in Biblical Studies - Ozark Christian College (2012)
MA in Theology - Regent University (2019)
Email Me: Email
- The Powerful Proverbs 27:17 Meaning (iron sharpens iron) - March 25, 2024
- What Is The Meaning Of James 1:17? (every good and perfect gift) - March 19, 2024
- Church, Your Hope Is Not In The Election. - March 19, 2024
wpDiscuz