Tom Nettles on Ephesians 2:10

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

1. “Created in Christ Jesus” – It is both in Christ Jesus and for Christ Jesus that the creation wrought by the new birth finds its power and is sustained for its ultimate goal. The Spirit may be sent into our hearts, for Christ has removed from us the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13; 4:4-6; Romans 5:1, 5). He sheds abroad the love of God in our hearts through the reconciliation of Christ and continues his operations throughout our lives to conform us spiritually to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29; Review also Ephesians 1:23 and look forward to Ephesians 3:16, 17, 21).

2. “For Good works” – Good works always are those works that are expressly contained in the moral law of God or by consequence of scriptural application derived from it. In short, God moves us by his Spirit to love him with all our heart, mind soul, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Ways in which that is done both in the church and in the world are indicated throughout the New Testament (cf. Titus 3:14; 1 Timothy 5:9, 10; 6:17-19; Hebrews 13:20, 21; James 3:13-18; 1 John 4:7-12).

3. “Which God prepared beforehand” – The movement of all things in the world in their fitting relationship with all other things has been established by God as a matter of his wisdom in creation. Even so, the perfect conformity of the human spirit, the imago dei, with the holiness of God and in love toward all other image bearers is the guiding principle by which God had beforehand prepared good works. But also, specifically he calls each of his people within the sphere of their gifts and labor to do what they do “as unto the Lord.” By his sovereignty, he distributes gifts among men; and in his effectual providence and internal promptings he moves us to good works. We should be able to testify with Paul, in his efforts to “present everyone mature in Christ,” “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me” (Colossians 1:28, 29).

4. “That we should walk in them.” – Following the good works that God himself has prepared for us should be the manner of our life. Ordering our steps according to his law, in respect of his providence, and with a conscientious view of his glory is our goal and his purpose.

Adapted from God’s Work and Workmanship by Tom Nettles