Art is a great way to express how we feel about a particular scripture. It is my own creative way of meditating through a verse and thinking through the allegories. So when I read Ephesians 2:10, the image on the bottom is what came to mind. (If you would like a free printable version of this image, scroll to the bottom.)
The verse says,
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
But what exactly does it mean to be God’s masterpiece? I thought we could take some time to explore that phrase a little bit.
Ephesians 2:10 is Not About Original Creation
To understand Scripture, you have to begin with context. What is God talking about in the verses around the scripture in question? The context generally gives you some significant clues for interpretation. In this case, the context is talking about who we were before we accepted Christ and who we are after Christ. As it says in Ephesians 2:1, before we were dead in trespasses, but then came grace as is mentioned in Ephesians 2:8.
The context tells us something important about Ephesians 2:10. It is not talking about original creation, although I don’t think anyone would argue that when God made the world and everything in it, that it wasn’t a masterpiece. However, to get a deeper understanding of Ephesians 2:10 by looking at the context, we see that it is talking about our spiritual rebirth that comes only via Jesus Christ.
This idea is echoed in II Corinthians 5:17 where it states, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” (To read two other studies that show the importance of context, read my blogs, Essential Oil Fit for a King and When Jesus Broke Racial Barriers: The Woman at the Well.)
Ephesians 2:10 is About God’s Creativity
Let’s dig even deeper. For my drawing, I use the version of Ephesians 2:10 from the New Living Translation which uses the word “masterpiece.” The English Standard Version (ESV) and others use the word, “workmanship.” Both masterpiece and workmanship are translated from the Greek word “poiēma.”
Does that word look familiar? Yes! Our words poem and poetry are the modern English words derived from this Greek word. The word literally means, “something that has been made” but is used in the context of making something creative like poetry or artwork or a masterpiece!
(This “His Masterpiece” journal, pictured above is available in both 100-page and 200-page format on Amazon).
What does it mean to be God’s Masterpiece?
Now let’s put it all together. At that point when we accept Christ as our King and Savior, God skillfully and creatively makes us into something new, but not for the purpose of being looked at or admired. It is for the purpose of us doing good works, of bearing fruit. If we are to manifest the beauty of what God created and be His masterpiece, then it will shine through our speech, our behaviors, our relationships, etc. The beauty of who we are is not in the outward appearance but in the simplicity of loving one another and fruitfully living!
The beauty of who we are is not in the outward appearance, but in the simplicity of loving one another and fruitfully living! Click To TweetWould you like to receive a FREE printable version of my “God’s Masterpiece” drawing? Then I invite you to sign up for our email updates. Not only will you get this free printable, but you will receive updates on any new artwork, devotionals, and blogs from Fruitfully Living.
Other articles you may enjoy: Created in His Image, An Important Truth for Women
I totally love the image you created for this post! And I truly appreciate the fact that you broke this verse down by staying in context with the previous verses. Great post!
Thank you Stuart! I believe it is incredibly important to look at verses within the context of the chapter, book, and the whole Bible itself.
You’re very welcome. I agree!!
Hey, could I use your image for my Daily Inspiration posts with a link back to this post?
Absolutely!
Thank you 🙂
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Your art work is beautiful and I love that shade of blue. I also liked your post and agree with you. I often am very grateful that God is who He is and that He is not like man, because where man may judge me by the way I look, I know that my God is looking at my heart.
Thank you! Yes, we serve a wonderful God!
Amen!!
I love your painting. I would like to use the print for our annual women’s retreat. I will pay for use of it or copy right. That is our theme Ephesians 2:10. Was looking for a picture and loved your drawing. I hope it is possible. I’m glad I found your site. Will be looking at your site for encouragement. Thank you so much for your passion. Oralia lopez
Thank you for this beautiful image. I would like to use it in a letter to a young lady on retreat that I am praying for. Please let me know if it would be possible.
Renee, thank you! I sent you an email directly regarding your question.