King James Bible
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
The Greek word 'poiema' (workmanship) means masterpiece or work of art, emphasizing that believers are God's carefully crafted creation. This follows Paul's teaching on salvation by grace (vv. 8-9), showing that saved people are not accidents but divinely designed. This new creation happens specifically 'in Christ'—through union with Him in His death and resurrection. The purpose ('unto good works') reveals that these works are not the cause but the intended result of salvation. God prepared these good works in advance, before we even existed, as the path for His redeemed people. 'Walk' implies a continuous lifestyle rather than occasional acts, showing that good works characterize the entire Christian life.