All by grace, for His Glory

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

Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians brilliantly explains who we are as Christ followers (our Identity) in chapters 1-3 and ‘how we should live’ as a result of following Christ Jesus (our Behavior) in chapters 4-6. Here, in chapter 2, is a verse that connects both themes.

First, it is vital for us to remember that we are created in the Image of God. When satan (or anyone else for that matter) tells you lies about who you are, it is important to remember that you have been created in the Image of God. Not only that, but the precious blood of Jesus Christ has bought for you your salvation. To not value ourselves and our identity as Christ followers is to cheapen the inestimable worth of the blood of our Savior.

Second, God has created us in Christ Jesus to walk in good works. Whatever call that the Lord may have upon your life (corresponding to the unique design that He has given to you), it is important to remember that we are to do good works. These works have been prepared by God for you to do. It is your job as a faithful Christ-follower to seek out the Will of God for your life.

But, here’s the kicker. The Glory belongs to God. It is easy, and somewhat our nature (thanks to Adam & Eve), to see our good works as a result of our own strength. What is crucial to remember is that, not only are we to do these good works, but when we do them, it is because the Lord has given us both the strength to perform them and the works themselves. So…

If it is by the grace of God, then it is to the Glory of God.

Whatever we do, may it be done unto the Glory of God (for His praise and our transformation – see previous post), for it is only by His grace that we have these works to do and the abilities to carry them out.