Strangers & Saints (Ephesians 2:11-22) [Rod Ohmes] - Audio

Let's recap what Paul has been telling the Christians in Ephesus: - You were dead – now you’re alive. [v.2&5] - You were children of wrath – now you’re His workmanship. [v.3&10] - You were following this world, slaves to Satan – now you’re saturated in grace. [v.2&7] - You were once living for yourselves – now you have divine purpose (good works). [v.3&10] And now Paul adds: - You used to be separated from God’s people – now you are members of the same family. [v.12&19] - You used to have no access to God – now you have it because of Jesus Christ. [v.12&18] - You used to be strangers – now you are saints. [v.12&19] God accomplished all of this by the blood of Christ and through the cross. [v.13&16] Christ’s substitutionary atonement crushed/removed the separation between a holy God & sinful man. What does the blood of Jesus Christ do? What did the cross accomplish? - those who were far off have been brought near [v.13&17] - the blood & cross have eliminated the hostility between us & God brought peace [v.14&16] - they have removed the requirements of the law [v.15] - they have united the covenant people of God (Israel) with those outside (Gentiles) [v.15&16] - they have given both Jews & Gentiles access to the Father, through the Spirit [v.18] - they have given outsiders a seat at the table [v.19] - they have integrated individuals into God’s family (household) [v.19-22] Jesus’ blood on the cross has an effect on God, but it also has an effect on His people, too. We are brought near to the Father and we are brought near to one another. It’s vertical and it’s horizontal. Anyone who believes is made a citizen of heaven, but not just a citizen; now we're family. Previously, the Gentiles wouldn’t have even been allowed inside the Jewish temple, but now they are actually a part of it! Previously, you were not allowed into God’s presence because of your sin. But because of Christ, you are not only allowed into God’s presence, you are His child!