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. God created you with extraordinary skill and a predefined purpose for you to accomplish. You are God’s own handiwork; you were created by God.
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
Colossians 1:16-17 NKJV
Man, in the marvellous mechanism of his body, and his unique mental and spiritual endowments is the noblest work of God.
Meanwhile, God must recreate us in Christ Jesus, before we can do anything right; before we can accomplish the good works He created us to do. The purpose of this gracious new creation is to produce and secure the good works, and more importantly, to have a personal relationship with God. It is this new creation man that can know and relate with God. Without the recreation in Christ Jesus you cannot do anything pleasing or acceptable in God’s sight. You cannot live a holy life without this recreation.
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14 NIV
Christ Jesus “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. Moreover, 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 to 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 one has hired us.” (Matthew 20:7)