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Ephesians 2:10: His Workmanship


Ephesians 2:10
[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

We know that the works that we do cannot save us.  In fact, they are actually offensive to God because we boast about them and attempt to steal the glory he deserves.  So, what are we supposed to do?  Do we just avoid doing any works?  Should we sit on our spiritual butts until Jesus returns.  Sadly, I think there are some who have chosen that option.

In Ephesians 2:10, Paul talks about what we are to do since we are saved. In his description of what we are to do, he speaks of what we call sanctification.  What is sanctification?

“The generic meaning of sanctification is "the state of proper functioning." To sanctify someone or something is to set that person or thing apart for the use intended by its designer. A pen is "sanctified" when used to write. Eyeglasses are "sanctified" when used to improve sight. In the theological sense, things are sanctified when they are used for the purpose God intends. A human being is sanctified, therefore, when he or she lives according to God's design and purpose.”
- Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology

Sanctification is a word that we usually just define as “being set apart” or “being made holy.” That is true. However, I love how the word understood a little further means to be used for the purpose God intends. Like a pen is sanctified when it is used to write. Like eyeglasses are sanctified when they improve our eyesight. Like a Christian is sanctified when they do works. Notice, that the good works do not save us. We have firmly established that. But a Christian is doing what they were set apart to do when they are doing good works. Look at the verse again, now that you understand this concept of sanctification.

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

Why do we do good works? Because we were created to do them. We do not do them to somehow gain more of God’s attention. We do not do them to get God to love us more. We do not do them to pile up rewards for ourselves in eternity. We do them because they are what God created us to do. Will we be rewarded for the works that we do? Yes! But, we do not do good works for the selfish purpose of racking up rewards. We are to do everything for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31
[31] So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Whatever you do (THAT’S WORKS), do all to the glory of God!!!! We do all our works for God’s glory. If you are doing works for your glory, or for reward, you are sinning against God by not doing what you are doing for his glory.

If you are not a believer in Jesus, your works that you do are useless.  You can give everything you have away, and be unfulfilled.  Works are the sanctification of the believer only.  We were set apart by our designer to do good works.  Christian, get to work!  You will find the greatest fulfillment by doing all that you do for God's glory.  Non-believer, stop working for salvation, and place your faith in Christ, so that you can finally do what you were made to do.

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