The Masterpiece of God
“For we are His masterpiece…” Eph 2:10a
When we consider the intricate details of the entire universe, it becomes evident that its existence is not a result of chance but rather the work of God (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 19:1). In the Bible, we discover what God's ultimate masterpiece is. Surprisingly, it is not the vast expanse of the Universe, the Earth, humans, or even the breathtaking natural wonders like the Northern Lights, the Grand Canyon, or Victoria Falls.
According to Ephesians 2:10, the church is described as God's masterpiece: "For we are His masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10) This means that the collective body of believers in Christ, united by their faith in Jesus, is the pinnacle of God's creative work. As the master craftsman, God intentionally designed and created the church to fulfill His divine purposes and bring Him glory. The church is a testament to God's artistry and intricate design, and it continues to be refined and perfected to this day. The incredible aspect is that each one of us has the opportunity to be part of God's ongoing masterpiece.
Usually, an artist’s masterpiece begins with the highest quality materials that they can find, but with God that is not the case. We as the materials start out in a completely unqualified and corrupted state—we are unable to be a part of this masterpiece. But through God’s wise plan and the carrying out His salvation of us, we are transformed into useful materials and have a place in His masterpiece.
But why is the church called God's masterpiece? In the Bible, we learn that mankind was originally created for this purpose. However, Satan, God's adversary, corrupted humanity and sought to hinder this divine plan. Fallen humanity is entirely incapable of fulfilling God's purpose on their own. Thankfully, God had a greater plan to restore His masterpiece. Jesus came to redeem us and reconcile us back to God. Through Him, we receive redemption, and He becomes our life and savior. Through this life we receive in Christ, a new creation emerges from the corruption of the old. The old, corrupted creation passes away and this new creation is none other than God's masterpiece—the church.
You were intricately designed and uniquely purposed by God to be part of His masterpiece—the church. Your life's purpose is intimately connected to being a vital part of this masterpiece. True satisfaction in life is found when we embrace our role in God's masterpiece. To become part of it, we must first open our hearts, repent, and return to God by believing in Jesus Christ, who lovingly died for our sins (Acts 3:19; Romans 10:9). To become part of this masterpiece, pray the following to receive Jesus as your redeemer, savior, and life.
Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. I need You. Thank You for dying for me. Lord Jesus, forgive me. Cleanse me of all my sins. I believe You rose from the dead. I receive You right now as my Redeemer, Savior, and life. Come into me! Fill me with Your life! Lord Jesus, I give myself to You for Your purpose, for Your Church, to be part of your masterpiece.
Now, as a member of this new creation, God's masterpiece, you have been transformed by His grace into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). To live each day as part of God's masterpiece, we are called to walk in love, imitating Christ's sacrificial love and expressing Him to the world around us (Ephesians 5:1-2). By doing so, we fulfill our purpose, bring glory to God, and live a life that reflects the reality of being part of God's ongoing masterpiece, the church.