For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
Ephesians 2:10 AMPC
May I remind you that you are God’s masterpiece. You are His work, done with extraordinary skill with a predefined purpose that you are meant to achieve. Man, in the marvellous mechanism of his body, and in his unique mental and spiritual endowments, is the noblest work of God.
But unless we have been recreated in Christ Jesus, we will not be able to fulfil that ultimate purpose of our existence. It is not just enough to identify as God’s creation, God is inviting us into a partnership with with Him. However, this can only be possible through salvation that is in Jesus alone. The purpose this gracious new creation is to produce and secure the good works in and through us.
Christ “gave himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people of his own, zealous of good works.” We are not saved by, but created unto, good works. Works do not justify, but the justified man works, and thus demonstrates the reality of his new creation.
Every man has his daily work of body or mind appointed him. There is not a moment without a duty. Each one has a vineyard; let him see that he works it, and not say, “No man hath hired us”. Meanwhile, we must realize that it is the new creation man that can do anything acceptable unto God.
