For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
What does Ephesians 2:10 mean?
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no desire for spiritual pleasures.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Ephesians 2:6-10 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship - We are his "making" - ποιημα poiema. That is, we are "created or formed" by him, not only in the general sense in which all things are made by him, but in that special sense which is denoted by the new creation; see the notes at 2 Corinthians 5:17 . Whatever of peace, or hope, or purity we have, has been produced by his agency on the soul. There cannot be conceived to be a stronger expression to denote the agency of God in the conversion of people, or the fact that salvation is wholly of grace. Created in Christ Jesus - On the word "created," see the notes at 2 Corinthians 5:17 .
Key words
- workmanship
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For we are his workmanship,.
Context in Ephesians 2
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Ephesians 2 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as blessing and new identity in Christ. Ephesians presents the church as Christ’s body and temple, chosen in grace, united across dividing walls, and called to mature holy life. Read this chapter with the wider themes of union with Christ, church, and grace in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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Passages that speak to human value, being made in God's image, being known and loved by God, and finding identity in Christ.
Key passages on God's unmerited favour, the grace of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and how grace transforms the way believers live.