For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10
Or more traditionally:
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (NASB)
Ephesians 2:10
The making or workmanship here is not the end result of the initial creative act but the result of the making of the “new creation”. In other words this is a spiritual creation not a purely physical creation; the result of becoming more Christ-like. This applies to both Jews and Gentiles from the context of Ephesian 2:1 which includes both groups.
Note the place of good works in the context of what has gone before it in verses 8 and 9. It seems strange that Paul should be talking about us doing good works that He ordained we would do when he has just said salvation is not based on good works. Yes that is true. Paul is still being consistent. Then how are we supposed to understand “these good works” that He (God) has ordained? Take careful note of the preposition used. Pay attention to detail. We are saved for good works not by good works. There is a world of difference between the meaning of these two prepositions.
As I have inferred in the title of this Gem we are not saved by good works but we are created [re-created] for good works. God’s design is for us to lead a holy life. The chief aim is not just to get us to heaven but that we should be holy. God has predetermined that we should lead holy lives. This is nothing new. Paul has said this before – Look at Ephesians 1:4 “that He had chosen His people before the foundation of the world that they should be holy.” The work of grace also includes the creation of the new man, not a revamp of the old man but the work of God the Father by His Holy Spirit working within to bring about a new creature; created in Christ. This salvation cannot be by any works of man, since it has to be accomplished by God. Salvation is a work done for man without his help. The good works manifesting a holy life are fruits of His grace.
The word “walk” found in “so that would walk in them” is often used in the Bible to denote our lifestyle lived “ih Him”. A life lived in obedience and responsiveness to His Holy Spirit. I.e. Walking according to the spirit. In other words a life style lived according to that which we obey or base our life on. Walk can also mean obey as in taking each step in obedience to Him.
Exercise daily, walk with the Lord.
Anon
The aim of killing the weeds of sin is that the fruit of the Spirit might flourish.
John Piper
Failure won’t cut you off from God’s grace, but it can destroy your potential.
Ian Vail