August 3, 2022

Ephesians 2:17-22 (HCSB)
17 When the Messiah came, He proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. 21 The whole building, being put together by Him, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord. 22 You also are being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.

Trey Manor
Christ’s ambassadors and messengers (apostles) shared His good news of peace and reconciliation with those near (Jews) and those far off (Gentiles). Christ purchased a way for us to come to God, and the Spirit gives us a heart and strength to come. He allows us to serve God acceptably. This newfound access and acceptance fundamentally changes our identity. The Ephesians shifted from foreigners and strangers outside of grace to fellow citizens of Heaven. They went from no access to God, no means of salvation, no healing, no bettering themselves to members of God’s household being continually renewed and made holy. Today, we make the same transition as we are sanctified daily. The building analogy in v. 20 is literally upon Christ. Without Him, there is no connection between Jew and Gentile or God and us. We cannot have unity without him. All believers, being united to Christ by faith, become a sacred society, where there is communion between God and his people. We worship and serve Him, He shows Himself to us, we offer up spiritual sacrifices to God, and He dispenses His blessings and favors to us. Through continually glorifying Him, He makes us new.

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