Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Study Note
Study Note
'For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.' The Greek 'poiēma' (workmanship) is the word from which the English 'poem' derives, suggesting that believers are God's artistic creation — a handiwork expressing his craftsmanship. The verse immediately follows Ephesians 2:8-9's statement that salvation is not by works, making the theological sequence precise: saved apart from works → created for works. Pre-ordained good works are not meritorious causes of salvation but the designed purpose of those who receive it — works as vocation rather than transaction.
Other Translations
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them.
for of Him we are workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God did before prepare, that in them we may walk.
For by his act we were given existence in Christ Jesus to do those good works which God before made ready for us so that we might do them.
Cross References
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for …
Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the …
Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O …
This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.
But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my …
Whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, …
O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.
And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, …
Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good …
And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them …