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Answer
Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (NASB). Other versions of the Bible use terms like masterpiece or handiwork instead of workmanship. Essentially, we are entirely the product of God’s creative, redemptive, and sanctifying work, and we are His possession.
Workmanship encompasses more than just the outcome of creation; it also signifies the level of expertise with which the outcome is crafted. This level of expertise adds worth to the created object. For instance, we might say, “That vase exhibits excellent workmanship.” The vase itself is beautiful, but its value comes from the skills of the individual who conceived and manufactured it. Considering this definition, workmanship might be a more appropriate term than either masterpiece or handiwork due to the focus it puts on the Creator rather than the creation.
We are God’s workmanship because He fashioned us. Everything God brings into existence holds value, yet nothing in all of creation can be compared to His act of creating humanity «And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. », (Genesis 2:7). From the heavens to the rivers to the frogs, God simply spoke and they appeared (Genesis 1). In six days, God declared, “Let there be,” and it was so. However, on the sixth day, He did something distinct. God reached down into the earth and shaped a man. He then breathed “into man’s nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul” «And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. », (Genesis 2:7). That breath infused God’s own life into His creation. The human soul, crafted by the hands of the Almighty, reflects the divine touch.Being now possessed of a spirit unlike the life of animals and plants. Psalm 139:13–16 gives us a glimpse into God’s workshop, revealing that He is intimately involved in the creation of every human being.
We are God’s workmanship in that He redeemed us. As God foresaw, mankind rebelled against His authority. They defiled God’s workmanship and introduced sin into His perfect world (Genesis 3:11; Romans 5:12). From that moment, God initiated His plan to redeem and restore them to their original design (Genesis 3:21-23). Before the foundation of the world, God had orchestrated this redemption, which would ultimately lead to the crucifixion of His Son as the ultimate sacrifice for sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:4; Revelation 13:8). His workmanship was costly, as we are redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19).
We are God’s workmanship in that He sanctifies us and equips us for service. He shapes us according to His will for His pleasure and purposes (Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:16). Despite the imperfections we see in ourselves and others, the clay cannot question the potter, “Why did you make me like this?” (Romans 9:20; Jeremiah 18:5). God knows what He is doing. He utilizes the tools of adversity, relationships, challenges, and miraculous interventions to shape us into the likeness of Christ «And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to hispurpose.” , (Romans 8:28). And He promises to finish what He began “being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” , (Philippians 1:6). The goal is “good works” “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.” , (Ephesians 2:10).
The truth that we are God’s workmanship is expressed in the context of our salvation: “By grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship” (Ephesians 2:8-10;NASB). The emphasis is on the grace and gift of God. We are not saved by our own works because we ourselves are God’s work. God is the Designer and Builder of our faith; we cannot save ourselves.
The Church as a whole is also God’s workmanship. He has given us gifts, Scripture, and His Holy Spirit to enable us to carry out His work in the world. (Romans 12:4-7;1 Corinthians 12:4). Just as a lantern exists to shed light, the Church exists to spread the light of the gospel to the lost and dying (Matthew 5:14;Acts 13:47). As we allow His light to shine through us, we display His workmanship.
