The Former Alienation of the Gentiles from the Jews
Eph 2:10-12 (paraphrased) "Because we are the work of God, created in Christ for good works, which God has preordained that we would do them, hence remember that we Gentiles were formerly in the flesh, uncircumcised, we were previously separated from Christ, excluded from the blessings of Israel, strangers to God's promise, with no hope and without God. "
But in Christ, through His blood, through the Cross, Unites, Brings Peace, Reconciles Both
2:13-16 (paraphrased) "But now in Christ, we have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Christ Himself is our peace who made both Jews and Gentiles into one and broke down the dividing wall. Through the flesh of Christ, He abolished the ceremonial laws, feasts and sacrifices so that in Him, Jews and Gentiles are made into one new man thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross."
No longer Aliens but Fellow Citizens, in the same Household, built on the same Foundation with Christ as Cornerstone, both forming the same Building, built together as a Holy Temple
2:17-22 (paraphrased) "Christ came and preached peace to you who were both far and near. Both to Jews and Gentiles. For through Christ, both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens but fellow citizens with the saints and of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit."
Are there any groups of people whom you are in enemity with? Are our hearts resistant to letting the peace and reconciliation through Christ unite us?
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