Key Text: In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit (Eph. 2:21-22).
The Apostle Paul was directly addressing the Ephesians and the whole of humanity that he envisioned. Apart from Christ, we are dead in our sins and trespasses, not sick, not dying, but dead. This spiritual deadness described by Paul are those who are very active, albeit in a sinful and destructive manner marked by fleshly desires and thoughts. Paul is clear that we have been brought to salvation by grace through faith in Christ. As new creations in Christ, we are saved for good works, not by them. God reconciles us to Himself in Christ, removing barriers of hostility between believers where divisions often run deep: prejudices, past injustices, current fears, and tensions. Again, true reconciliation and unity are found in a shared belief in Christ. Great animosity existed between Jews and Gentiles. Paul made application to race relations and he reminded the Ephesians that, as Gentiles, they had been labeled the “uncircumcised” by Jewish people. Paul rebuked the Ephesians and called them back to “that time” prior to their conversion when they “were without Christ and excluded from the citizenship of Israel,” and not having an identity grounded in God. Without Christ, a person is “without hope.” Paul reminded the Ephesians they were “without God,” lost in their idolatry, devoid of the light of divine revelation, and bereft of goodness and truth. According to Paul, the Ephesians were previously dominated by their sinful nature; but, now they have been “brought near” through Christ’s death on the cross for their sins. Oneness in Christ is a key component of the gospel message, it is a direct application of the gospel.
Christ is the solution to all animosity. Christian unity is based on what Christ has already done since the cross has broken down all barriers between believers. If walls still exist, it is because humans have rebuilt and maintained them v 14. Paul explained that by His death on the cross, Christ brought peace between a new community of both Jews and Gentiles, centered in Christ. Christ’s goal was to unite all believers to God, and this would become the basis for unity in “one body,” His Church. Sin is at the heart of the hostility between people. Once sin has been dealt with, peace should be the result v 16.
It is impossible to preach peace without first being a person of peace! All who bear the name of Christ should ensure that their hearts are free from hatred and racial animosity. All believers need to examine themselves to repent of any and all prejudice and hatred. Paul explained that the gospel of peace was proclaimed both to Jews (those who were near) and to Gentiles (you who were far away). Gentile believers in Ephesus (fellow citizens with the saints) are now numbered among the people of God. The truth declared by the apostles and prophets guarantees that no one who comes to Christ in faith will be turned away. This is the foundation upon which the church rests, God’s eternal purpose. LET THE CHURCH SAY AMEN!
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