Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Ephesians 2:10

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them." — Ephesians 2:10 (ASV)

This verse is the outcome of the whole process. It shows what salvation is intended for: to produce the good works that attest its reality. While works play no part at all in securing salvation, Christians will prove their faith by works. Here Paul shows himself at one with James .

We are God’s “workmanship”—his work of art, his new creation. “Created” (GK 3231; also in OT, 1343) is a verb used exclusively of God and denotes the creative energy he exerts. The creation takes place “in Christ Jesus” (cf. vv.6–7). The life of goodness that regeneration produces has been prepared for believers to “do” from all eternity. Here is a further reason why Christians have nothing left to boast about. Even the good they now do has its source in God, who has made it possible.