For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Which came first: the chicken or the egg? This dilemma often describes situations where it isn’t clear which of two events is the cause and which is the result. The first-century Greek biographer Plutarch discussed the question in one of his essays. Christian circles often debate a similar problem, but with a twist. Which came first: salvation or good works? We’ll see how Paul gives us a clear answer to this important question.
The first word we encounter, “for,” links this verse to the previous one. Paul will show us why no person can boast of earning their way to heaven.
Paul uses an interesting word to describe believers. He calls them God’s “workmanship.” This expression means “something that has been made, a work.” Christians themselves are the handiwork of God. Paul goes further, saying they are “created.” The verb conveys “being made or formed” by a creator. Paul is talking about our new spiritual life, not our physical body. This creation is defined as being “in Christ.” That is, it happens only in the context of our union with Jesus.
So what exactly is Paul saying? He shows us that salvation is God’s work within a believer. At its core, it’s a spiritual rebirth that only God can accomplish. All we can do is receive it by our faith in Christ.
What outcome does God expect from his actions? This is where good works come in. The little word “unto,” which could also be translated as “for,” indicates that salvation leads to good works. In other words, they are its consequence. This intended result wasn’t an afterthought on God’s part, either. The term “ordained” means “to prepare before, to make ready beforehand.” And the word “walk” signifies “to regulate one’s life, to conduct oneself.”
So what does this all mean? God expects believers to behave in a certain way. He has given them new spiritual life in Christ. He has done in advance everything necessary so that their lives and conduct will be characterized by good works – whatever is righteous, upright, and honorable.
We all know that believers don’t always live like this. Yes, they fail. No one is perfect. But salvation has such an impact that the general direction of a believer’s life shifts toward more and more good works, producing a visible transformation.
We now have the answer to the age-old question, “Which comes first: salvation or good works?” First comes the divine act of salvation, followed by the intended result of good works. That order can never be reversed, because nothing we do can cause spiritual rebirth. It’s a gift from God. However, if a person never displays any good works, there’s good reason to ask whether they have experienced new birth and possess the spiritual life only Jesus gives.