What does Ephesians 2:10 mean?
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.”
We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ for good works he prepared in advance. We are saved by grace, not by works—but saved for a life of good works.
Coming right after ‘by grace you have been saved… not by works,’ this verse shows the other side: good works are the result of salvation, not its cause.
‘Workmanship’ (or masterpiece) means God is making something of us. He has even prepared good works ahead of time for us to walk in—our lives have purpose by design.
Does Ephesians 2:10 contradict salvation by grace?
No. Verses 8–9 say we are saved by grace, not works; verse 10 says we are saved for good works. Works flow from salvation; they do not earn it.
Greek word studies — original-language background to the verse.
Original BibleDawn explanation · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.