By Dave Breese

Many a sermon is preached and many an interesting discussion is centered around the question, “What is a Christian?” The discussion is a valid one because it points to many an answer to that question which is given to us in the Word of God. We can helpfully note a number of those answers.

• A Christian is a son of God (I Jn.3:1).
• A Christian is a sheep in the flock of Jesus Christ (Jn 10:27).
• A Christian is a soldier in the army of the Lord (II Tim. 2:4).
• A Christian is a wrestler in a great contest (Eph. 6:12).
• A Christian is a fellow citizen with all the saints (Eph. 2:19).
• A Christian is a branch of the vine which is Christ (Jn. 15:5).
• A Christian is an heir of God (Rom. 8:17).
• A Christian is a member of the Body of Christ (Rom. 12:5).

These are but a few of the assertions made in the Word of God as to the nature of the Christian. With all of these in mind, we are surprised and enormously complimented by one of the great descriptions of the Christian given us in the Word of God. The Scripture says, “For we are His workmanship” (Eph. 2:10). Before we dismiss this as an ordinary statement, note that this word, “workmanship” is very special. It is the word, poema. Yes, it is the word from which we get our word, poem. Its true meaning is “masterpiece.” One of the greatest kinds of masterpieces in this world comes in the form of poetry. Even so, we are made as divine masterpieces by the great Artist of the universe, who does all things well.

“Divine masterpiece,” what a way of describing the Christian! This means at least that there’s something very special about a Christian. It really means that the Christian is the best thing that God ever made in the history of the universe. Yes, the sun, the moon, the stars, the beauties of nature—all of these are impressive things. However, all of these will perish, but not the Christian. This divine and eternal masterpiece will live forever!

Having declared us to be a masterpiece, God understandably states the purpose for which we were created, the purpose for which Jesus saved us. We are created in Christ Jesus “unto good works.” May we suggest that there is a special meaning to this passage?

When the Bible uses the word “works,” it cannot refer to nugatory activity. It is implicit that our doings are “accomplishments,” works that will matter for time and for eternity.

We notice also that we are created unto “good” works. We can be forgiven for suggesting that when God uses the word good, He is speaking of something magnificent. It is, therefore, clear from the Word of God that we have been saved by the grace of Jesus Christ for the purpose of producing magnificent accomplishments in this world. Indeed, God has before ordained that we should walk in them. Therefore the characteristic, the norm of the Christian life should be magnificent accomplishments. These are the divine intention; they are ordained by God as the purpose of our lives.

Some suggestions for magnificence come to mind…

• Why not pray for a whole nation, for its conversion to Christ (like John Knox did for Scotland)?
• Why not work for the defeat of godless anti-Christian enterprises?
• Why not labor for renewal in an area that has been demoralized by ecclesiasticism (like Wesley did for England)?
• Why not write the great book that will influence generations (like Bunyan did with Pilgrim’s Progress, like Lewis did with Mere Christianity)?
• Why not establish a movement in a decomposed culture that bears a great witness (like the Huguenots did in France)?

Yes, why not do something magnificent today? To whom? Like loving someone who is not handsome and talented. Like forgiving someone who does not deserve it. Like asking the question, “What would Jesus do?” And then doing it.