What does it mean that we are God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)?

TL;DR:

God formed men and women in His image and for His glory. He has designed each part of our story to come together into a work of art that shows off His handiwork.

Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." The word for workmanship is the Greek word poeima from which we get our word for poem. Poeima means "something made." It is also used in Romans 1:20 to describe how "the things that have been made" demonstrate God's eternal power and divine nature. Where the ESV, KJV, and NASB use "workmanship" in Ephesians 2:10, other translations use "handiwork" or "masterpiece" or "creation." The Amplified Bible says, "For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art] …" Think of some of the great poems in literature and how painstakingly each word, each line break, each period and comma were chosen by the author. Similarly, God has labored over us. God's plan for us as His workmanship extends over the span of our lives.

from the old testament

In Genesis 1:27 the Lord God formed the man and woman in His image and for His glory: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

from the new testament

Philippians 1:6 refers to God’s work in us: "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
God has designed each part of our story to come together into a work of art that shows off His handiwork and brings Him glory (Romans 8:28–30).
Ephesians 2:10 calls us God’s workmanship, “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

implications for today

God’s workmanship is astonishing because He took us from a place of brokenness and sin, making us His poeima—His masterpiece—filled with divine purpose. Instead of being enslaved by our flesh, we are now empowered to fulfill the good works God prepared for us. It’s not by our efforts, but by His grace and power that we walk this path. Sanctification can feel disheartening as we confront the gap between who we are and who we’re meant to be. Yet God sees us as His ongoing masterpiece, shaping and refining us to reflect His image. He created us uniquely to reveal His glory to those around us (Romans 9:20).

Unlike a painting or poem that passively displays its beauty, we are living masterpieces—actively participating in God’s work (Matthew 5:14–16; John 15:12–17). He calls us to walk in love, kindness, and truth, sharing the hope of salvation wherever we go (Matthew 28:18–20; Romans 12:9–21; Ephesians 4:17–32; 1 Peter 3:16–17). These good works are not for our boasting; they are evidence of God’s workmanship within us, giving us both the desire and the strength to complete the tasks He’s set before us (Philippians 2:12–13). As we surrender to and abide in the Great Artist, He calls us His workmanship and promises to make a masterpiece out of us.

understand

God uniquely created us to reflect His image and glory.
God prepared us for good works, giving our lives purpose and meaning.
God continually shapes us, transforming us into a masterpiece through sanctification.

reflect

How does knowing that you are God’s workmanship impact the way you view your identity and purpose?
What areas of your life do you feel God is actively shaping and refining as part of His masterpiece?
How do you process the struggle between how God sees you as His masterpiece and your need for Him to grow and refine you?

engage

How does understanding that we are God’s workmanship help us engage with others who may struggle with their sense of worth?
What does it mean for the church as a whole to function as God’s masterpiece in the world today?
How can we support one another in walking out the good works God has prepared for us as His collective workmanship?