Poetic Masterpiece

We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus. —Ephesians 2:10

Man and woman are the work of God’s hands. They are His “workmanship.” The Greek word used is poiema, from which we get our word “poem.” It means “work” or “creation” and is associated specifically with God’s activity.

Poiema is only used twice in the New Testament—in Romans 1:20 and Ephesians 2:10. The first points to God’s handiwork in His creation of the universe, including man and woman, while the second refers to His marvelous work in redeeming humanity from sin.

All of creation was designed to showcase God’s eternal power and divine nature (Rom. 1:19–20). Sadly, His beautiful design for male and female was damaged by sin. But it became God’s masterpiece when He re-created it through Jesus (Eph. 2:10).

Through the cross, Christ defeated the power of Satan and sin so manhood and womanhood can once again display the magnificent beauty of His design. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can delight in the differences between man and woman, God’s magnificent poem.