Ephesians 2: 1-10
Wednesday, 31 January 2024
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10[NLT]
We are so captivated by a magnificent piece of art and would often admire the craftsman behind it. A Masterpiece reveals the craftsmanship of its maker! That’s what you and I need to give thought to, seeing ourselves as “God’s masterpiece!”
Our text explains how we receive Salvation through Christ Jesus—it is by grace through faith, a gift freely offered by God to those who would receive it graciously! Jesus paid in FULL all the requirements needed for us to be made right with God—it is for us to believe and receive so that we become a new creation in Christ Jesus.
Eph. 2:1-3 points to the unsaved—they are:
· dead in their trespasses and sins (V.1)
· under the control of Satan (V.2)
· controlled by the lust of flesh (V.3)
But in Eph.2:4 we see how God in His mercy and grace intervenes in our lives and does a makeover! Chaos and confusions are removed and life in abundance is imparted through grace in Christ which makes us the masterpiece of all creation. The divine nature is wrought in us by His Spirit taking control of our lives. What a glorious transformation God made in us by His grace through Christ Jesus!
You and I- the masterpieces that God made are the new creation in Christ, “…the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Eph.4:24). The specialty of this masterpiece is the beauty of the Creator inhabiting His creation. His divine presence imparts a unique nature in us, which calls for unique actions – actions which cannot be accomplished by the world.
Everything we see in all creation has a purpose. We have been created as a Masterpiece in Christ Jesus with a purpose too. Our key verse tells us that God has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. The first good thing which God has ordained for a Christian is to lead a holy life with the help of God’s Spirit. 1 Peter 2: 9 says: “…for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” Only a true child of God saved by His grace can do that.
There are other good works that mark God’s child: For example - the world can show love that is only skin-deep, but true Christian love is selfless love -that is called “agape.” The world shows charity but has hidden agenda to glorify the giver. But a Christian who does works of charity does them out of his love for God, with a motive to glorify God. To sum it up, we are created in Christ to do unique things for God's glory.
Those who try to reason that by good deeds, they can earn their salvation, take note: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9). We do not earn our salvation through the works that God has assigned us to do but these are works to be done by a person who is already in Christ (Saved) to glorify God.
Friend, having understood that you are God’s masterpiece called to do good works planned by Him along ago for you to carry out, would you cooperate with Him to see it blossom in your life? When others see the good works that reflect the Person and character of your Creator, they will glorify God!
THINK ON: Saved not by good works but for good works!