Created in Christ Jesus unto good works
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 KJV)
Paul uses the word “created” to describe the conversion or new birth experience of the believer in Christ. He certainly was fully aware of the full force behind that word “created”, knowing from Genesis what it implies. Yet he affirms that God has created us in Christ Jesus. Redemption is a re-creation process. God has repeated in Christ what He did in Genesis, except that this edition of humanity is of divine origin and carries the very nature of God.
He goes further to tell us we were created unto good works. In other words, He tells us the purpose that is attached to our lives. The “good works” mentioned here is the equivalent of saying that we are the light of the world and therefore should let our light shine. Jesus said: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 KJV).
So our light is equal to the good works we do that others see in us which are reflective of the Father who has begotten us. When people see this light, they are seeing God’s glory. God shines in His glory through us in our works for people to see!
MEDITATE
Describe in your own words the relationship between our good works, the light and the manifestation of the glory of God as described above.
APPLY THE WORD
You are God’s masterpiece, beautifully crafted to reflect or reveal who He is. He created you to shine forth His glory. The Holy Spirit is the oil that burns in your lamp, that is, you will produce works that glorify His name. Let your light therefore shine forth!
PRAY
Thank the Father for the privilege of being recreated in Christ.
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