Ephesians 2:11-16 English Standard Version
One in Christ
11 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— 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. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
The Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Our devotional text for today, Ephesians 2:13 emphasizes that through the blood of Christ, those who were once far from God have been brought near, highlighting the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Today’s verse serves as a reminder of the grace which reconciles believers to God and to one another, fostering unity and hope.
Ephesians 2:13 (KJV) states: “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”
Our single verse today encapsulates the profound truth of our transformation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
It contrasts our previous state of separation from God with the now intimate closeness we experience through Him.
Our devotional, will explore what it means to be ‘far off’ and how the blood of Christ brings us near to God, enabling a deeper relationship with our Creator.
Themes of the Verse
- Reconciliation: The verse emphasizes the reconciliation between God and humanity. It illustrates how Jesus’ sacrifice bridges the gap created by sin.
- Grace: The transformation is not based on human effort but solely on God’s grace. This underscores the importance of faith in Christ for salvation.
- Unity: Ephesians 2:13 also points to the unity among believers, as those who were once ‘far off’ separated (like Gentiles) are now part of God’s family.
To understand the significance of being ‘far off,’ we must first examine the context of Ephesians.
The Apostle Paul wrote this epistle to the believers in Ephesus, highlighting both Jewish and Gentile divisions.
Before Christ’s atoning work, Gentiles were alienated from the promises of God, and likewise excluded from the covenant community of Israel.
They were considered outsiders, lost to the life and love of God.
Paul’s use of “far off” paints a vivid picture of not only distance but a growing and ever widening chasm of hopelessness and despair.
However, the verse pivots dramatically with the phrase,
“But now in Christ Jesus.”
This transition is monumental.
It signifies a change in position and status.
‘But now’ signals a divine intervention which brings with it hope, redemption, and reconciliation.
The word “now” is a fascinating word that holds great significance in the Bible.
It refers to the present moment or without any further delay.
Throughout the Bible, the Holy Spirit inspired the writers and translators to use this word frequently.
Let’s explore seven instances where the word “now” appears in the Scriptures.
The Present Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26)
Hebrews 9:26 Amplified Bible
Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer over and over since the foundation of the world; but now once for all at the consummation of the ages He has now appeared and been publicly manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.
During the last 2000 years, starting with Christ’s first coming, we have come to understand He came to earth as a sacrifice for the sins of the entire world.
Christ’s sacrifice is complete and perfect, needing no repetition (Hebrews 10:10, 12).
Through Christ alone, we can approach the Father in heaven.
There is no other way.
The Assurance of Safety (Jude 1:24)
Jude 24 Amplified Bible
24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling or falling into sin, and to present you unblemished [blameless and faultless] in the presence of His glory with triumphant joy and unspeakable delight,
The Bible assures us Christ is able to keep believers from falling and failing.
We are secure in God’s care through the powerful cleansing blood of Christ and the sealing and indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
If you are a genuine Christian, you can experience a sense of safety now, not just after death.
We are safe in the arms of the Father and Son, whether we live or die on earth (John 10:28-29).
The Peace of Serenity (Romans 15:13)
Romans 15:13 Amplified Bible
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that now by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises.
In this verse, we learn that God fills us with joy and peace as we trust in Him.
Even in the midst of challenging circumstances, every believer can experience divine joy, peace, and hope.
Trust in the Lord, for He is the God of peace.
His peace gives us hope all will be well in His timing because He is Almighty and in control (Isaiah 26:3).
The Certainty of Faith (Hebrews 11:1)
Hebrews 11:1 Amplified Bible
The Triumphs of Faith
11 Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
It allows us to perceive the invisible and understand what is beyond the natural realm.
Faith is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and comes by hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17).
The Present Sonship (1 John 3:2)
1 John 3:2 Amplified Bible
2 Beloved, we are [even here and] now children of God, and it is not yet made clear what we will be [after His coming]. We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory].
We are told that we are now the children of God.
We can be confident that we have been spiritually born and are now God’s children. The testimony of God’s Spirit assures us of our divine sonship (Romans 8:15-16). Do you have the assurance of being a child of God now?
The Urgency of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2b)
2 Corinthians 6:2Amplified Bible
2 For He says,
“At the acceptable time (the time of grace) I listened to you,
And I helped you on the day of salvation.”
Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”—
Delaying or procrastinating personal salvation is unwise.
We never know when it might be too late to be saved.
We should accept Jesus as our Savior now because life is passing by, and Jesus is calling.
Each rejection of Jesus may make it harder to be saved later on.
That’s why God says, “Now is the day of salvation.”
If you are not yet saved, pray for God’s mercy and salvation (Psalm 69:13).
The Danger of Stubbornness (2 Timothy 3:8)
2 Timothy 3:8 Amplified Bible
8 Just as Jannes and Jambres [the court magicians of Egypt] opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, unqualified and worthless [as teachers] in regard to the faith.
This verse refers to Pharaoh’s chief magicians, Jannes and Jambres, who opposed Moses and Aaron during the Exodus.
When they resisted God’s truth spoken through His messengers, it was as if they were fighting against God Himself (1 Timothy 6:5a).
As believers, we should avoid stubbornness and be open to God’s truth.
In Christ, all barriers established by sin and separation are breached.
The cross of Jesus acts as an indestructible bridge for reconciliation;
He took our sins upon Himself, allowing the rift to be healed and estrangement to be transformed into fellowship.
Next, we must reflect on the phrase “made nigh by the blood of Christ.”
Blood, throughout the Scriptures, signifies life, sacrifice, and covenant.
In the Old Testament, sacrifices were made to atone for sin, allowing temporary reconciliation with God.
Yet, these sacrifices were wholly insufficient to fully remove the barrier of sin.
The blood of Christ, however, fulfills this need completely.
It provides complete atonement for our sins, cleansing us and enabling us to draw near to God.
This is the crux of the Gospel—the perfect sacrifice of Jesus was necessary to bring us close to where we belong.
Suggested Reflection Points
- Personal Transformation: Reflect on your own journey of faith. Consider how you have experienced being “brought near” to God through Christ.
- Community: Think about the unity within your faith community. How can you foster relationships that reflect the reconciliation described in this verse?
- Gratitude: Cultivate a spirit of thankfulness for the grace that has allowed you to draw near to God.
What does it mean to be made nigh or brought near?
It means that we now have access to a personal relationship with God.
No longer are we mere strangers or distant acquaintances; we are now children of the Most High.
We can approach God with confidence, knowing we have been accepted and beloved in Christ.
This nearness transforms our identity, calling us from spiritual isolation into a community of believers bound by the love and grace of God.
Meditating on this incredible truth, it is essential to acknowledge the impact of the blood of Christ.
Many of us may feel far from God due to past mistakes, guilt, or shame.
Ephesians 2:13 reminds us that the sacrifice of Christ is wholly sufficient.
As believers in Christ, we possess several blessings that unbelievers do not have: sacrifice, safety, serenity, certainty, sonship, and salvation.
However, stubbornness should not be among our attributes.
If you are unsure of your salvation, you can be 100% certain right now. Embrace the power of “now” and experience the transformative work of God in your life.
Through it, we are no longer far off!
This truth should evoke tremendous gratitude and awe in our hearts.
Christ’s blood not only covers our sin but assures us of our standing before God.
Finally,
Ephesians 2:13 serves as a powerful reminder of the transformation Christ accomplished for us.
Reflecting on our journey from separation to intimacy is crucial in nurturing our faith.
Let us live in the light of this incredible truth—no longer ‘far off’ but drawn near, drawn nigh, by His love and sacrifice.
As we go about our days, let’s remember that we carry this nearness with us, empowering us to share His love with others who may still feel lost, distant.
Now, beloved of God, may we rejoice in being made nigh by the blood of Christ!
In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit
Praying,
Prayer for Victory over Enemies.
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
20 [a]May the Lord answer you (David) in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high [and defend you in battle]!
2
May He send you help from the sanctuary (His dwelling place)
And support and strengthen you from Zion!
3
May He remember all your meal offerings
And accept your burnt offering. Selah.
4
May He grant you your heart’s desire
And fulfill all your plans.
5
We will sing joyously over your victory,
And in the name of our God we will set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.
6
Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed;
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand.
7
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
But we will remember and trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8
They have bowed down and fallen,
But we have risen and stood upright.
9
O Lord, save [the [b]king];
May the [c]King answer us in the day we call.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 