Ephesians 2:10 (KJV) reads: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

This verse is part of the larger passage of Ephesians 2:1-10, written by the apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus. In this passage, Paul is addressing the Gentile believers and reminding them of their former sinful state and the great mercy and grace of God in saving them through faith in Jesus Christ.

The verse begins by reminding believers that they are God's workmanship. This emphasizes the idea that we are God's creation and that He has formed us for a purpose. The Greek word used for "workmanship" is "poiema," which can also be translated as "poetry" or "masterpiece." This suggests that God has carefully crafted and designed each of us with a specific purpose in mind. This is a powerful reminder of our intrinsic value and worth in the eyes of God.

The verse then goes on to say that we are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. This emphasizes that as believers, our salvation is not based on our own good works, but rather on the work of Christ. However, once we have been saved, we are called to live out the good works that God has prepared for us. This echoes the sentiment expressed in James 2:18, "But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." This highlights the importance of living out our faith through actions and serving others, motivated by love and gratitude for what Christ has done for us.

The verse concludes by stating that these good works were ordained by God beforehand for us to walk in them. This highlights the sovereignty of God in the lives of believers. It shows that God has a plan and purpose for each of us, and He has prepared good works for us to do. This encourages believers to seek and follow God's leading in their lives, trusting that He has already prepared the way for us to walk in.

The broader context of Ephesians 2 helps to deepen our understanding of this verse. In the preceding verses, Paul describes the former state of the Ephesian believers, emphasizing their spiritual deadness in sin and their alienation from God. However, he then contrasts this with the great mercy and grace of God in saving them through faith in Jesus Christ. This highlights the transformative power of the gospel and the profound change that occurs in the lives of believers.

The theme of salvation by grace through faith is a central theme in this passage, as Paul emphasizes that it is not by our own works that we are saved, but rather by the grace of God. This grace then leads to a transformed life and the outworking of good works in the lives of believers. This aligns with the broader theme in the book of Ephesians of the unity of believers in Christ and the call to live in a manner worthy of the calling we have received (Ephesians 4:1).

In terms of symbolism, the concept of being God's workmanship can be understood as a metaphor for the way in which God shapes and molds us into the likeness of Christ. It also symbolizes the idea of God as the divine artist, carefully crafting each believer for a specific purpose and role in His kingdom.

In conclusion, Ephesians 2:10 is a powerful and profound reminder of the transformative and sovereign work of God in the lives of believers. It underscores the idea that we are created for a purpose and called to live out the good works that God has prepared for us. This verse serves as an encouragement for believers to walk in obedience to God and to serve others, motivated by the grace and love that we have received through faith in Jesus Christ.