Ephesians 2:10

KJV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} we are {G2070} his {G846} workmanship {G4161}, created {G2936} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424} unto {G1909} good {G18} works {G2041}, which {G3739} God {G2316} hath before ordained {G4282} that {G2443} we should walk {G4043} in {G1722} them {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For we are of God’s making, created in union with the Messiah Yeshua for a life of good actions already prepared by God for us to do.

Berean Standard Bible

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.

American Standard Version

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 2:10 profoundly declares the believer's identity and purpose, asserting that salvation by grace through faith, as articulated in the preceding verses, is not an end in itself but a divine re-creation for a specific, pre-ordained life of good works. This verse establishes that Christians are God's deliberate and masterful handiwork, uniquely fashioned in union with Christ Jesus, not to earn salvation, but to walk in the righteous and purposeful activities that God has prepared for them from eternity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 2:10 serves as the crucial complement and logical extension to the profound theological declaration of salvation by grace in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Having emphatically stated that believers are "saved by grace through faith" and "not of works, lest any man should boast," Paul immediately addresses the natural follow-up question: if works do not save, what is their role? Verse 10 provides the answer, shifting the focus from the *means* of salvation to its *purpose* and *outcome*. It clarifies that while good works are excluded as a *basis* for salvation, they are the indispensable *fruit* and *evidence* of a transformed life, thereby preventing any misinterpretation of grace as a license for passivity or unrighteousness. This verse bridges the doctrinal exposition of salvation with the practical implications for Christian living that follow in the latter half of the epistle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Ephesians was written to a diverse church in Ephesus, a prominent city in Asia Minor known for its temple to Artemis (Diana) and a blend of Greek, Roman, and Asian cultures. The city was a hub of pagan worship, magic, and philosophical thought, making the concept of salvation purely by divine grace, rather than through rituals, sacrifices, or human effort, a radical departure from prevailing religious norms. In a world where religious devotion was often measured by outward acts and adherence to elaborate systems, Paul's emphasis on God's "workmanship" and "before ordained" works would have resonated with believers grappling with their new identity in Christ amidst a works-oriented society. The idea of being "created in Christ Jesus" would also have contrasted sharply with the prevalent Gnostic tendencies (which were emerging or would emerge) that disparaged the material world and human physicality, affirming instead the divine intention behind human existence and action.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of Ephesians. Firstly, it underscores **God's Sovereignty and Initiative** in salvation, emphasizing that believers are "his workmanship" and that good works are "before ordained" by God, aligning with the grand scope of God's eternal plan detailed in [Ephesians 1](/ephesians/1 "Ephesians 1 - God's Eternal Plan"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **New Creation in Christ**, echoing the transformation from spiritual death to life in [Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - From Death to Life"). Believers are not merely forgiven but fundamentally re-created, given a new identity and purpose that is intrinsically linked to Christ Jesus. Thirdly, it establishes the **Purpose of Salvation**, clarifying that grace does not negate responsibility but rather empowers and directs believers toward a life of "good works." This theme is further developed in the practical exhortations of [Ephesians 4-6](/ephesians/4-6 "Ephesians 4-6 - Living the New Life"), which call believers to live out their new identity in ethical and relational ways. Finally, it subtly touches on the theme of **Divine Predestination and Calling**, asserting that the path of good works is not accidental but part of God's intentional design for each believer's life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Workmanship (Greek, _poiēma_):** From G4161, meaning "a product, i.e., fabric (literally or figuratively)." This word is the root of the English word "poem." It conveys the idea of something exquisitely made, a masterpiece, a creation that reflects the skill and intention of its maker. In this context, it emphasizes that believers are not accidental or self-made, but are God's intentional, artful creation, meticulously fashioned by Him.
* **Created (Greek, _ktízō_):** From G2936, meaning "to fabricate, i.e., found (form originally)." This term signifies a foundational act of bringing something into existence, often implying a radical transformation or a new beginning. When applied to believers, it highlights a spiritual re-creation, a new birth that is as fundamental and complete as the original act of creation, distinguishing the believer's new identity from their former state.
* **Before Ordained (Greek, _proetoimázō_):** From G4282, meaning "to fit up in advance (literally or figuratively); to prepare beforehand." This compound word emphasizes God's proactive and intentional planning. It suggests that the good works believers are to walk in are not spontaneous or accidental, but are part of God's pre-conceived design, established before the believer even came to faith. This underscores God's sovereignty and the purposeful nature of the Christian life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For we are his workmanship,"**: This opening clause provides the foundational reason ("For," G1063, _gár_) for the preceding declaration of salvation by grace. It asserts the new identity of believers: they are not merely saved individuals, but God's deliberate, skillful creation (G4161, _poiēma_). This term evokes an image of God as a divine artist or craftsman, meticulously shaping and forming His people. It speaks to the intrinsic value and unique design God has imparted to each believer.
* **"created in Christ Jesus"**: This phrase specifies the context and means of this new creation. The verb "created" (G2936, _ktízō_) signifies a radical, transformative act, akin to the original act of creation. The prepositional phrase "in Christ Jesus" (G1722, _en_ + G5547, _Christós_ + G2424, _Iēsoûs_) indicates the sphere, source, and vital union through which this re-creation occurs. It is not an individual effort but a corporate reality, where believers are brought into a new spiritual existence by virtue of their union with Christ.
* **"unto good works,"**: This clause clearly states the purpose (G1909, _epí_ + G2041, _érgon_) of this divine re-creation. The "good works" (G18, _agathós_ + G2041, _érgon_) are not the cause of salvation, but its intended outcome and expression. They are the natural fruit of a life transformed by grace, demonstrating the reality of the new creation. This refutes any notion that grace leads to moral apathy; instead, it empowers active, righteous living.
* **"which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."**: This final clause underscores God's sovereign plan and intentionality. The relative pronoun "which" (G3739, _hós_) refers back to "good works." The verb "hath before ordained" (G4282, _proetoimázō_) emphasizes that these specific good works were prepared by God in advance. The purpose clause "that we should walk" (G2443, _hína_ + G4043, _peripatéō_) uses a verb that metaphorically means "to live" or "to conduct oneself," indicating that these works are not isolated acts but a continuous way of life. The phrase "in them" (G1722, _en_ + G846, _autós_) further reinforces that these works are the very path God has laid out for believers to live out their new identity.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the use of "workmanship" (_poiēma_), which likens believers to a crafted masterpiece, emphasizing God's artistry, intentionality, and the inherent beauty and purpose of His creation. This metaphor elevates the status of believers from mere recipients of grace to active participants in God's ongoing creative work. The phrase "created in Christ Jesus" also functions as a **metaphor** for spiritual rebirth, drawing a parallel between the initial act of creation and the transformative work of salvation. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **antithesis** by implicitly contrasting the "not of works" of [Ephesians 2:9](/ephesians/2-9 "Ephesians 2:9 - Not of Works") with the "unto good works" of [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works"), thereby clarifying the precise role of works in the Christian life—as a result, not a cause, of salvation. The **purpose clause** "unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" provides a clear teleological statement, highlighting the divine design and predetermined path for the believer's life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 2:10 stands as a crucial theological bridge, connecting the doctrine of salvation by grace to the imperative of Christian living. It asserts that God's saving work is holistic, transforming not only our standing before Him but also our very nature and purpose. We are not merely forgiven sinners, but divinely re-created beings, imbued with a new identity and destiny. This verse underscores the profound truth that God's grace is not passive; it is an active, empowering force that propels believers into a life of meaningful service and obedience. The "good works" are not optional additions to salvation but are integral to the very design of our new spiritual existence, demonstrating the authenticity of our faith and bringing glory to our Creator. This divine pre-ordination of works speaks to God's meticulous care and comprehensive plan for each believer, ensuring that our lives are not random but are interwoven into His eternal purposes.

* [Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Redeemed for Good Works")
* [Philippians 2:12-13](/philippians/2-12-13 "Philippians 2:12-13 - Working Out Salvation")
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works is Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 2:10 offers profound comfort and clear direction for every believer. It reminds us that our identity is not self-made, nor is our worth derived from our achievements, but rather from being God's "workmanship"—His cherished, unique, and intentional creation. This truth liberates us from the burden of earning God's favor and invites us to rest in His unfathomable grace. Simultaneously, it provides a compelling purpose for our lives: to walk in the "good works" that God Himself has prepared for us. This means our daily actions, our service, our relationships, and our character are not random but are part of a divine blueprint. Understanding this empowers us to live with intentionality, seeking to align our lives with God's pre-ordained path, knowing that our efforts, though imperfect, are part of His perfect plan. It calls us to actively participate in the outworking of His grace, not out of obligation, but out of the overflow of our new nature in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding yourself as God's "workmanship" change your perception of your own value and purpose?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you see God calling you to "walk in good works" that He has prepared?**
* **How does the truth that good works are the *result* of salvation, not the *cause*, free you to serve God more joyfully and less out of obligation?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to intentionally pursue the "good works" God has ordained for you?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "we are his workmanship"?**

Answer: The phrase "we are his workmanship" (Greek: _poiēma_) means that believers are God's deliberate, skillful, and beautiful creation. It conveys the idea of a masterpiece, something carefully and artfully made by a master craftsman. Just as a poet creates a poem, or an artist creates a painting, God has intricately designed and brought believers into being, not just physically, but spiritually, through the act of salvation. This emphasizes God's active role in our identity and transformation, highlighting our inherent value and purpose as His unique creation. It suggests that our lives are not accidental but are part of a divine design, reflecting the glory and character of our Creator.

**If salvation is by grace and not by works, why are good works mentioned as a purpose?**

Answer: This verse provides the crucial balance to the declaration of salvation by grace in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). While salvation is indeed a free gift received through faith, entirely apart from human effort, it is not an end in itself. God saves us *unto* a purpose. The good works are not the *cause* or *condition* of our salvation, but rather the *evidence*, *result*, and *fruit* of it. They are the natural overflow of a transformed heart and a new nature given by God. As [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works is Dead") states, "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." True saving faith will inevitably manifest in a life of good works, which God has "before ordained" for us to walk in, demonstrating the reality of our new life in Christ and bringing glory to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 2:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ Jesus. It is "in Christ Jesus" that believers are not only "created" but also find the very essence and power to walk in the "good works" God has prepared. Jesus Himself is the ultimate example of one who perfectly walked in the works ordained by the Father, declaring, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work" ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Purpose")). He is the blueprint for the new creation, the one in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")) and the head of the body, the church, through whom believers are empowered to live out their divine purpose. Our "workmanship" is a reflection of His perfect work on the cross, where He accomplished the ultimate good work of redemption, making it possible for us to be reconciled to God and re-created in His image ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Therefore, the good works we are called to perform are not merely moral acts, but extensions of Christ's ongoing ministry through His body, the Church, enabling us to be His hands and feet in the world, bringing glory to God through lives lived in conformity to the image of His Son ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to Christ's Image")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 2:13

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

Colossians 1:10

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Hebrews 13:21

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:

Ephesians 4:24

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Philippians 1:6

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ: