For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Ver. 10. For we are his workmanship] ποιημα, his artificial facture, or creature, that wherein he hath showed singular skill, by erecting the glorious fabric of the new man.
Created-to good works] In the year 1559 there was published a paradox, that good works are pernicious to salvation of men's souls. David George, the broacher of this heresy, was dug up and burnt at Basil.
God hath before ordained] i.e. By his eternal decree. Our vivification then is not a work of yesterday; but such as God hath with singular complacency contemplated from all eternity, rejoicing in that habitable part of his earth, Proverbs 8:31 .