Key Verse: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 CSB)
Grace by its very definition is unearned and undeserved favour from God. He loves and accepts us, not because we earned that right, but rather because of His incredible compassion and mercy toward us in Jesus Christ.
Paul wrote, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – not from works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). For those who are in Christ, this is an awesome reality on which to pause. God doesn’t love or call us because of our track record. It’s all about His grace!
One of the misconceptions about grace, however, is that it doesn’t matter what we then do. Since our relationship with God is not based on our performance but rather on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, then is it even relevant how we then live?
In the very next verse in his discussion on grace, the Apostle Paul makes an important connection between grace and works. He demonstrates to us how closely the grace that we have received from God is tied to how we ought to live.
So what is the relationship between the two? What do we need to know about the connection between what we’ve received from God and how we should then live? Paul begins by saying, “For we are his workmanship” (v.10). This speaks to our identity in Christ Jesus. Because of His grace toward us, what we now do ought to be tied to who we now are.
According to the Scriptures, God is the One who has created all things (Ephesians 3:9). This includes each one of us. “It is he who made us and we are his” (Psalm 100:3). We are all a part of His creative work. But it’s more than just that. As image-bearers of God, “we are his workmanship.” Like an exquisite painting or another outstanding piece of art, we are God’s masterpiece, His finest work of creation.
As such, we hold great value to Him. He sees us as His treasured possession (1 Peter 2:9), bought with the precious blood of His Son. This is who we truly are in Him. Therefore what we do needs to flow from this. Our “works” should be rooted in our identity in Him.
Paul also says that, not only are we God’s “workmanship,” we have been “created in Christ Jesus for good works” (v.10). This is an important distinction. Good works do not save us. It is by grace alone through faith alone that we come to know God. But we are saved “for good works.” One of the reasons why God chose us in eternity-past to be His own is because He has work prepared for us to do.
What does this include? The good work is ultimately about loving Him with our whole heart and being fully devoted to Him. This includes training ourselves for godliness (1 Timothy 4:7), making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), showing mercy and compassion to those who are hurting (James 2:15-17), and sharing in His suffering (1 Peter 2:21). It’s a person who is now living like Jesus. The evidence of someone that has truly been transformed by God’s grace will be a life fully devoted to serving Him. This is what you were created to do!
What are the good works that God has prepared ahead of time for you to do? Invite Him to lead you further into this today.
Prayer: Father, I thank you that I am your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. As I reflect on the incredible grace I have received in you, show me specifically the good works that you have prepared in advance for me to do today. I choose to follow you, Jesus. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
