SOAP 06/06/2016; Ephesians 2:13-16

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 1, 2, 3; Psalm 45; Ephesians 2

S) "¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, ¹⁵ by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, ¹⁶ and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity."

Ephesians 2:13-16 (NASB)

O) The first note to make, is that this letter is to a Gentile church in Ephesus, and they remained in Ephesus. So, when Paul said they were formerly far off, but brought near by the blood of Christ, he means this relative to nearness to God, when they were formerly far from Him. When Paul writes here, that Christ abolished the enmity, the Law of commandments in ordinances "in His flesh," he is making a reference specifically, then, to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross. So, the enmity, Law, commandments, and ordinances that were abolished, were those related to ceremony, temple worship, and the priesthood. All of those things served to distinguish the Israelites from every other people group on earth, as God's special people, chosen to bless all people through their Messiah. All of those things foreshadowed the coming of the Messiah. When Christ came, and He fulfilled the prophecies and the foreshadow gave way to the light of His revelation. So, when He reconciled all people to God, making them all one body in Christ, to God, there was no longer the need for any distinction between Israelite and Gentile. There was no longer any need for the enmity that divided.

A) When I read a passage like this, I am filled with thanksgiving. It is an immeasurable grace to me, that the gospel was established before I was born. It is more grace that the gospel was preached to me. It is more grace that the Holy Spirit had been drawing me. Grace upon grace, I am thankful to be part of His church. Grace upon grace, I am thankful that I am reconciled to God as part of the body of Christ. It's not exactly that I strictly could not have been saved if I was born 2100 years ago (Gentiles could convert to Judaism), but I was born in such a time, that Jesus cleared away all of the prerequisite Laws. I don't have to be known to belong to God by circumcision, or keeping the Sabbath, or having a kosher diet. Now, I am known as Christ's disciple by my love (see John 13:35). My faith in Him means there are good works that glorify God (v.10).

P) Father, thank You for Your abiding and abounding grace, God! When I read through the Old Testament, and I see what it took to be distinguished as Yours among the nations, I realize just how much grace I have. When I read this passage I see how, and I understand the grace at work in the cross a little more. Help me to remember this grace, and how much has gone into my salvation. Help me remember that I am Yours in Christ. Help me dwell on the reconciliation I have, that though I was far from You, I have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Thank You, Father, for the grace upon grace, at work in my life, even before I was born. Be glorified. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.