2.11. SETTLED BLESSING OF ONENESS IN CHRIST (Ephesians 2:13-22)

Ephesians 2:13 "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."

This is the second great and wonderful "but" in this chapter. While verse 12 was despairingly dark, verse 13 is dazzlingly bright.

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The Great Miracle Is:

We, so "far off" from God, have been made near.

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The Great Means Is:

The blood of Jesus Christ, shed on Calvary's cross for us.

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The Great Meaning Is:

	We have been regained by God (Luke 19:10 );
	We have been restored by God (John 1:12; Galatians 3:26; 2 Peter 1:4 );
	We have been retained by God, near Him (Revelation 1:6; 1 Peter 2:9 ).

Ephesians 2:14 "For he is our peace, who hath made both one ..."

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Christ Is More Than Our Peace Maker (Romans 5:1)

He is our peace, not only the establisher and keeper of our peace, He Himself is the substance of our peace. His name is Peace (Isaiah 9:6 ). His peace ruling in our hearts is to which we are called as members of His body (Colossians 3:15 ). His rule of peace will guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7 ) so that, living in union with Him, we experience Him as our peace.

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Christ Is Our Peace In Our Relationship

In the example before us, He made both Jew and Gentile one (Ephesians 2:14 ) by offering Himself as the once for all perfect sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:12 ). The wall of separation between Jew and Gentile has been brought down (Ephesians 2:14 ).

First, because the enmity of both Jews and Gentiles as sinners to God. Through the broken, crucified flesh of Jesus, has been removed (Colossians 1:21-22 ). Second, because there being no further need of Jewish ordinances to point to the coming, perfect sacrifice for sin - God's perfect Lamb on the cross, Christ did away with the" law of commandments contained in ordinances" (Ephesians 2:15 KJV). Christ settled the long-standing hostility of the races - none having superiority over others at the cross - all have their need fully met in Jesus.

Ephesians 2:15 "... so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,"

Out of the two, Jew and Gentile, Christ's corporate body, the Church, comes together in peace. In vital union in Himself they are formed into one body - true relationship of man to man is founded on mutually being in Christ, enjoying reconciliation through the blood of His cross (Ephesians 2:16 ).

Ephesians 2:17 "And came and preached peace to you ..."

He came as the Prince of Peace (Luke 2:14 ). He gave His peace to His own (John 14:27 ). He published His gospel of peace through His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20 ). It is a settled peace that is proclaimed (Romans 10:15 ). By the preaching people are saved. (1 Corinthians 1:21; Acts 10:36 ). The proclamation is to the near and the far - there is no restriction upon the message of peace in Christ (Ephesians 2:17 ).

Ephesians 2:18 "For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. "

The sin question having been dealt with in Christ, we now have unhindered access to the divine presence. Made nigh in Christ we can enter into God's holy, all-powerful presence as family members, for in Christ God has become our gracious, tender, loving, providing Father. That is something to marvel at - we have right of access to the throne room, and we have freedom to boldly ask because God is our Father.

Our access is by the Holy Spirit. It is by the indwelling Spirit that fellowship with the Father and the Son is actual and continues. The Spirit is our unfailing Helper in prayer and worship (Romans 8:26; 1 Corinthians 14:15 ).

Ephesians 2:19 "... but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; "

We have access to one another and mutually enjoy each other as fellow citizens of heaven. No longer do we live as strangers. We have become together members of God's household - living with God.

Ephesians 2:20 "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, ..."

As the house of God the Church is built upon a sure foundation. The New Testament apostles and prophets, standing themselves on the true foundation Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11 ), built the living stones at Ephesus on the same solid. unmoveable foundation. Every local Church to be a true expression of Christ in its community, needs to be built by ascension gift ministry (Ephesians 4:11 ), founded on Christ and tied into Christ as the chief cornerstone giving it the shape and form of its expression and witness. Such will know the power and presence of God.

Ephesians 2:21 "In whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord,"

This building is a living organism deriving its life and function in Christ. It is a living building where each living stone contributes to its support and witness, according to placement and ability, in loving, considerate fellowship with one another in the Lord.

Ephesians 2:22 "In whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit."

We seek His presence, He builds us together to presence Himself among us.

2 Corinthians 6:16 "... for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; ..."

The living Church is the habitation of God the Father, has its source of life and growth in the Son. The upbuilding and power energy comes from the Holy Spirit where the Church located in God, is manifested. As His Church we are indeed exceedingly privileged - blessed with all spiritual blessing in Christ.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What is the practical issue for your living near to God? (Ephesians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18 ).
2. What do you experience by living in union with Jesus who is your peace? (Ephesians 2:14; Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:7 ).
3. How can the local Church be sure of being a true expression of Christ to its community? (Ephesians 2:19-21 ).