Your good works are God’s creation.
Ephesians 2:8–10 is one of the most important statements in the Bible about the gospel of grace, but it also tells how important our good works are to God. Notice the emphasis on both:
“[8] By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, [9] not a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:8–10, ESV)
All three of these verses are the gospel, and we learn about God and ourselves from them. Verse 10 describes the person who is a new creation in Christ Jesus. That is good news. It describes the purpose of this new creation: believers are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.”
Good works are good news
Thank God that our good works matter to him. He does not save us by grace and then say: “Do whatever you want. Take life easy. Maximize your comfort. Focus on your next dose of entertainment and your next material purchase. Live selfishly. How you spend your days does not matter to me.”
That self-centered outlook describes the philosophy of many people in Western culture, and it leads to emptiness. Humans were not created for that.
Instead Scripture says you are “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” And this lifestyle of unselfish good works results from God’s “workmanship” (v. 10). It is what God creates in you by his grace. You do not design your life; God designs your life. You are his workmanship.
Good works are God’s workmanship
Think of the workmanship that went into your mobile phone. Many people feel their mobile is their most useful tool in daily life. Think of the workmanship that went into your favorite apps. The Android phone in my hand is one of the most dazzling pieces of technological workmanship in human history.
You are God’s workmanship, infinitely more amazing than a mobile phone. Indeed, you can do much more good for other people than their mobiles can. You are a glorious piece of work—divine work. And the divine masterpiece that you are is not an end in itself, but rather for the good of others and the glory of God.
Good works are important
God is a creator, a designer, an architect, an artist, a poet, a songwriter, a carpenter. God is an artist, and you are his painting, his sculpture. He is a songwriter, and you are his song. God is a carpenter, and you are his building. God is a product designer, and you are his design.
God’s creation is not just you, but what you do. Your good works are God’s creation, God’s design.
Your deeds matter. They are God’s works. He wants to make your life into a colorful tapestry of servanthood, sacrifice, ministry, loving acts, helping others, saving souls.
“Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:14).
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28, NIV).
He did not create you to waste your time.
Our way and God’s way
Our way: Have the greatest house filled with the coolest possessions so we can experience maximum comfort and entertainment. Selfish living brings lasting happiness.
God’s way: He wants to use each person for the high and lasting purpose of helping others. Our good works are his workmanship. Our greatest happiness comes from fulfilling our divine purpose by doing good for others with our resources.
Life principle: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Jeremiah 9:23–24: “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.’” (ESV)