In this sermon from Ephesians 2:11-22, we’re going to see the glorious truth of what that salvation means for our relationships with one another.
Salvation works on both a vertical and a horizontal axis (like a cross). Salvation reconciles us with God, and it reconciles us with one another. Salvation isn’t just about “I and me…” It’s about “us and we.”
Three key points from this passage:
1) Alienation
The Gentiles were strangers to God’s covenant blessings, despised by God’s covenant people.
In other words, the Jews were “in,” the Gentiles were “out.” Paul says that at one time, those fleshly distinctives mattered, but no longer.
2) Reconciliation
Because of what Christ has done, those fleshly distinctions no longer matter. In the wonder of God’s grace, the Gentiles have been welcomed into the new covenant that is in Jesus’ blood!
In Christ, God has reconciled Jews and Gentiles to Himself and with one another.
3) Incorporation
The same grace that reconciles us with God also reconciles us with one another. And this reconciliation is far more than a ceasefire, it’s a cessation of hostilities, and the beginning of a interdependent and loving multi-ethnic family.
We are the Temple of God’s Holy Spirit! And as this multi-ethnic temple is being built up, joined together, Jews and Gentiles are incorporated together. As one Temple, we display the glory of God!
God’s glory is revealed through His multi-ethnic church.
Takeaway: God has adopted us; now we must adopt one another.
Friends, Jesus paid an infinite price to make us family! Don’t let human tribalism destroy the family that God has brought together.
God has adopted us; now we must adopt one another. We must learn to love God’s family beyond our natural tribal boundaries.
Ephesians 2:11-22
