Eternal Workmanship

Ephesians 2:1-10

In the first part of the passage, we see that mankind was dead, disobedient, demonic, and destined for destruction. That’s the bad news. However, look closely. The good news begins in verse 4 with the words “But God”. We were dead, but God made us alive in Christ. We were not merely in need of a helping hand; we were not sinking swimmers in need of a raft; we were stone cold dead – spiritually lifeless, without a religious pulse. But He loves the loveless, gives life to the lifeless, and is merciful to those deserving none. There was nothing we could do to earn this salvation. We are saved by the grace of Christ through faith alone, not because of any works. This does not mean, however, that our good works are pointless. They are not the root of our salvation, but the necessary fruit of it. God has prepared good deeds for us and equipped us to do them. He desires for us to demonstrate the reality of a life lived in Christ by the way we conduct our lives. Let us now walk in a manner worthy of what He has called us to!

Questions for further thought:
1. In what ways do you see God’s eternal workmanship actively at work in your life?
2. In what ways have you been trusting in other things to save rather than the finished work of Jesus alone?

Challenge: The universe does not exist as a series of random events. The One who carefully orchestrated the family line of Jesus is in absolute control over all things in order to accomplish every purpose He intends. Battle your anxieties with the truth, and entrust your plans to God’s wise and powerful control over the world.