APR 15

Ephesians 2:10
Memorise Colossians 2:6
“For we are his workmanship…”

We have spent the past few days examining the fruit of the Spirit, which is the mark of a reformed life. It is clear that living a reformed life is not easy, and involves much struggle on the Christian’s part. Why should the believer put themselves through so much hardship?

Today’s reading points us back to Ephesians 2, which we last considered on April 1. The reason why we should to live a reformed life is stated here. As a result of our salvation, we are now “his workmanship” – like an object that Christ has created. The purpose for which we were created is “unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them”. This is really the purpose that God has for our lives. This is why He saved us! It is not for us to live our lives in any way that we like. We have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, so that we can fulfil God’s will for us in our lives, to do the good works which He has appointed us to do.

Thus, we see that living a reformed life is not optional: it is part and parcel of what it means to be saved. When we obtained salvation, we who were once dead were made alive. We were not simply raised to live as sinners again. When He gave us salvation, the appointment He prepared for us beforehand was for us to consistently and continuously perform good works, and then to continually “walk in them”.

When a carpenter takes a block of wood, the wood itself has no choice over what it is shaped into. It is up to the carpenter to decide whether he will fashion a cupboard, a chair or a table. In the same manner, we have no power of our own to decide what kind of life we want to live. As believers, God has taken us as sinners and turned us into the objects of His salvation, able to do works pleasing to Him.

Do we have an interest in living a reformed life? It comes together with being a Christian. This is what God intends for us, and therefore if we are truly saved, we must want to fulfil God’s intention in our lives. Not to do so would be the height of ungratefulness, when God has given us the amazing and marvellous gift of salvation.

Thought: Am I truly saved? If I am, is there anything I would hold back from the One who has given me salvation?
Prayer: Lord, help me to submit to Thy ordained plan for me to walk in Thy ways and to do Thy work.