Ephesians 2
V.v 1-10 By human nature, we are all captivated by our sins. We are moved and motivated by our earthly preoccupations, constantly falling victim to our physical desires and ignoring what God desires for us. It is easy to passively follow the direction in which humanity is moving; habit combined with the ceaseless effort of the Enemy to remove us entirely from our Lord. We found "life" in the way of the world, so far removed from God that we found contentment in our disillusions. The price for this mindset (disobedience) is life. We are all dead in our transgressions if not for Christ's personal sacrifice which saved us from the grips of sin. Not only does God demonstrate his endless love and grace by choosing to give us life despite our unworthiness, He reserves for us a place together with Christ for all eternity. (V.v. 6-7) We have done nothing to deserve this chance for renewed and purposeful life. We must acknowledge the full extent of our sin and consequential punishment (eternal separation from God). No man is without sin and no man is more liable than another. (Romans 3:23-24) But instead of receiving wrath, we receive His gift of unending love and grace. In order to truly embrace and respond to this gift, we must recognize our inability to thrive without Christ. Because each of us were created in accordance to God's plan, none of us could ever feel true satisfaction apart from His purpose. He will never allow us true satisfaction in anything other than Himself. (Psalm 37:4) Part of His gift is the knowledge of wholesome life on earth - how to live as He desires, and the opportunity to share that knowledge with others who desperately need to feel whole.
"We are loved just as we are and
not as we should be because
none of us are as we should be"
V.v. 11-22: Prior to Jesus' life, sacrifice and resurrection, there was a great division between the Jewish people and Gentiles (non-Jews.) Gentiles were excluded from God, "strangers to the covenants of promise." (v. 12) Jews were circumcised to represent their covenant with God, "made in the flesh by hands," (v. 11) though inevitably were no closer in their honoring of God than the Gentiles. This ritual is comparable to modern day proclamation of faith through Baptism. Without accepting God's gift and experiencing a transformation of heart, no actual change exists. In essence, Paul reminds readers of the turmoil that existed in the past apart from Christ in attempts to adhere to the Law, regardless of lineage. He emphasizes a clear distinction before and after Christ. We are "brought near" (v. 13) to God only because of His selfless sacrifice. This invitation from God reaches everyone. Christ eliminated any barriers set up between Jew and Gentile "For He himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility." (v. 14) Each is reconciled with Christ and given a new identity. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Christ unites us in His love regardless of our history. There is no longer a need for a Law code between God and His people, nor is there a distinction between who is and who isn't a person of God. Christ replaced legalism with love for all people. (v. 15) Again, everyone is presented with the opportunity to embrace Christ's love, everyone has equal access. (v. 18) Everyone who accepts this gift will only benefit if his or her foundation is Christ. Without Him there is no commonality, no central hub, no skeleton capable of moving the body as one. With Christ as our foundation, we are moved by the Spirit of God.
"We are loved just as we are and
not as we should be because
none of us are as we should be"
V.v. 11-22: Prior to Jesus' life, sacrifice and resurrection, there was a great division between the Jewish people and Gentiles (non-Jews.) Gentiles were excluded from God, "strangers to the covenants of promise." (v. 12) Jews were circumcised to represent their covenant with God, "made in the flesh by hands," (v. 11) though inevitably were no closer in their honoring of God than the Gentiles. This ritual is comparable to modern day proclamation of faith through Baptism. Without accepting God's gift and experiencing a transformation of heart, no actual change exists. In essence, Paul reminds readers of the turmoil that existed in the past apart from Christ in attempts to adhere to the Law, regardless of lineage. He emphasizes a clear distinction before and after Christ. We are "brought near" (v. 13) to God only because of His selfless sacrifice. This invitation from God reaches everyone. Christ eliminated any barriers set up between Jew and Gentile "For He himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility." (v. 14) Each is reconciled with Christ and given a new identity. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Christ unites us in His love regardless of our history. There is no longer a need for a Law code between God and His people, nor is there a distinction between who is and who isn't a person of God. Christ replaced legalism with love for all people. (v. 15) Again, everyone is presented with the opportunity to embrace Christ's love, everyone has equal access. (v. 18) Everyone who accepts this gift will only benefit if his or her foundation is Christ. Without Him there is no commonality, no central hub, no skeleton capable of moving the body as one. With Christ as our foundation, we are moved by the Spirit of God.