Part 5

Peace by the Blood, Not Law 

     Paul, the descendant of Abraham, tribe of Benjamin, told the Ephesian Gentiles to remember that they were once separated ... excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise (to Abraham's seed), without hope and without God (Ephesians v. 2:12). 

     "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ" (v. 2:13).

     "He himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace. And in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, through which he put to death their hostility." 

     In verses 17-18, "He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." 

     Access. We who have faith in Christ have the freedom and right to approach our heavenly Father with confidence that we will be accepted, loved and welcomed. 

     This access is gained through Christ who shed his blood on the cross and his intercession for all who come to him (Hebrews 7:25). 

     Ephesians vv. 19-20 - "You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone." 

     "In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. You are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit" (v. 21).

Conclusion: Love surpasses knowledge