Scripture Text: Ephesians 2:11-12
remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
Ephesians 2:12
In our passage (2:1-10), apostle Paul continues to remind the believers in Ephesus of their previous state when they were apart from Christ. Paul widens the story to show how Gentiles who were once spiritual outsiders have now been included with Jews to make the one true body of Christ. This is grace received through faith, not based on any human merit, and this is not simply for individuals as individuals; it is for all the people of God – Jews or gentiles! For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” The blood of Christ that reconciles us to God also reconciles us to one another, now growing into God’s temple.
It is clear that any person who is separated from Christ is without hope. For Christ is the living refuge offered by God, and this is where the paradox enters: God saves His chosen people in Christ from Himself. And so this is very clear that the condition of the believers in Ephesus outside of Christ was desperate: No Christ, no connection to God’s covenant people, no promise of Salvation, no hope, and no relationship with God! And this is not just the case of the believers in Ephesus, but to us as well: “Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world (vv.11-12)”. Being labeled uncircumcised, summarizes the totality of the hopelessness that the gentiles had. And this utter despair is both physical and spiritual separation and alienation:
We gentiles are outcast by default, being objects of curse, derision, reproach, and wrath [physical].
We gentiles by default are without Christ, having no Savior, without any right in the commonwealth of God’s covenant people from which they are recipient of God’s blessings, the promises of God being totally strange to us, not able to partake with the glory in Christ, and ultimately without God [spiritual].
This is what we are called to remember, that we may remain to exalt and exult in God’s abundant grace in Christ! That we may continue to be humble before Him, and only boast in Him! For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. To keep in mind the richness of this amazing grace must be enough to propel and compel us to go back to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with highest praises that we can ever render with all of our beings! To be once separated, alienated, stranger is such a horrible reality, but praise be to God, He has send His Son that in Him we may have life! And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
May your heart, dear saint, be truly captivated by this blessedness that you have in Him, and because of Him! May you find yourself, together with the psalmist, acclaiming, bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits! who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Ultimately, the enjoyment of God in Christ is the only joy and happiness with which our souls can be truly and magnificently satisfied.
Desire to know Him more, who has loved you unconditionally and eternally! Thirst and long for Him! Be in awe of Him—the darling of Heaven! He is all yours… He is all-perfect, all-holy, all-glorious!
Hear this then, dear saint: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Christ is all that we have! Christ is all that we need!
Take heart, dear saint!
Reflect
1. Do you grow in realization of how much undeserved kindness you have because of Christ?
2. Do you continue to grow in need of His grace?
3. Do you desire and long to love Him more, as you ought to be?
Remember
Every blessing from God and our Father are means to keep us back to our chief end—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! Live your life therefore for the praise of His glory, and continue to live out your blessedness in Him!
Pray
Father in Heaven, I come before You in the name of Your Son, firstly to thank You of Your amazing and abundant grace that You have bestowed on me. May I never stop on growing in need of it, for You have said that this grace is sufficient for me. Father, help me to continue to exalt this same grace that brought me into the state of blessedness, that Your Son might receive the praise, honor, and reverence that He deserves. I ask as well, that I may continue to exult in Him, for He is everything to me. May You continue to give me this heart, that I may truly learn to be humble before You, and that I may truly worship You in Your glory. For I ask this in Your Son’s name. Amen.
Comments