Created In Christ Jesus For Good Works
Author: Stephen Weller
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)
The context of this verse is formed by the nine preceding verses and form a section titled, “By Grace Through Faith.” We were dead in our sin, walking in the ways of the world, carrying out the passions of our flesh, children of wrath, but then God being rich in mercy, because of his great love for us, he made us alive together with Jesus Christ. By grace he saved us and “raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (verses 1 – 7).
This brings us to the two verses before the one that is the focus of this study: 8 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” These two verses are used frequently to point out that our salvation is by grace through faith not by our works. There is nothing we can do to help earn eternal life just as there in nothing we could do as a fetus to help our physical birth. God chose us in Christ and when in the fullness of time, he caused our spiritual birth. Each person God chooses, he does so for a purpose as described by our verse.
We are his “workmanship” through spiritual birth. What was said of the Jewish people can be applied to us today: “Do you thus repay the Lord, you foolish and senseless people? Is not he your father, who created you, who made you and established you?” (Deuteronomy 32:6 ESV). God chose us and gave us life for a purpose, but yet we tend to live for ourselves. “Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100:3 ESV).
We were “created in Christ Jesus,” so it is important that we become more and more like him. We are “to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24 ESV). This is the work of sanctification as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). “and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:10). We enhance the development of our new self as we study and learn from the Scriptures.
God created us to enjoy a loving relationship with him, to bring glory to him, and to serve him. That service is seen in doing good works which he assigned to us to do. We are “to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10 ESV). This is our work assignment while here on earth. How well are we doing?
Father, I am afraid we have fallen short of our responsibility to your assignment and instead have sought to lives for ourselves. Have mercy on us and encourage us to do the assigned work.
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Summary Theme
Created by Grace, Recreated for Good Works
Summary Paragraph
Ephesians 2:10 declares that believers are God’s workmanship, His carefully crafted masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He prepared beforehand. This verse follows Paul’s powerful teaching that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9). Good works are not the cause of salvation but the result of it. God not only saves us from sin; He reshapes us into a new creation with purpose and direction. Our lives are not accidental or aimless. In Christ, God designs, prepares, and appoints meaningful works that reflect His character and advance His redemptive plan.
Discussion Questions with Extended Answers
1. What does it mean that we are “His workmanship”?
The word “workmanship” (Greek: poiēma) implies something intentionally made, crafted with skill and purpose. It is the root of our English word “poem,” suggesting artistry and design. Paul emphasizes that believers are not self-made or spiritually self-improved; they are divinely created anew in Christ. Just as God created the world in Genesis, He performs a new creation in salvation. This reminds us that our identity is rooted not in our performance, past failures, or accomplishments, but in God’s creative grace. We are His project, His design, His redeemed creation.
2. How does this verse relate to salvation by grace in Ephesians 2:8–9?
Verses 8–9 teach that salvation is not earned by works. Verse 10 clarifies that good works follow salvation as its fruit. Paul carefully guards against misunderstanding: we are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works. Grace precedes effort. God first makes us alive in Christ (2:4–5), then enables us to walk in obedience. Good works are evidence of genuine faith and the natural outflow of a transformed heart. This preserves both humility (we cannot boast) and responsibility (we are called to walk faithfully).
3. What are the “good works” God prepared beforehand?
These works include acts of obedience, service, love, generosity, evangelism, holiness, and faithful stewardship of our gifts. They are not random tasks but divinely prepared opportunities aligned with God’s purposes. The phrase “prepared beforehand” shows that God’s sovereignty and intentional design extend into the believer’s daily life. He ordains not only our salvation but also the pathways of obedience we walk afterward. This provides confidence that our lives have eternal significance and that God is actively guiding our steps.
4. What does it mean to “walk in them”?
To “walk” in Scripture refers to one’s manner of life. It implies consistency, direction, and daily practice. Paul contrasts this with walking according to the world in Ephesians 2:1–3. Believers now walk differently; not driven by sinful desires, but by God’s purposes. Walking in good works is not occasional religious activity; it is a lifestyle shaped by grace. It means living intentionally, asking how our choices, relationships, and actions reflect Christ.
5. How should this verse shape a believer’s sense of purpose?
Ephesians 2:10 affirms that every believer has divine purpose. No life in Christ is insignificant. Whether serving publicly or quietly, in ministry or marketplace, God has prepared meaningful work for each person. This removes both pride and discouragement. We cannot boast in our works, because they originate in God’s grace. We also cannot despair, because God has already planned a fruitful path for us. Our role is to trust Him, walk faithfully, and live out the new identity He has given us.
Concluding Reflection
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that salvation is not merely rescue from judgment; it is restoration to purpose. We are God’s redeemed creation, designed to display His glory through lives of faithful obedience. Grace saves us, and grace sends us.
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