Ephesians 2:11-13 (WELL) Therefore, remember that in the past you Gentiles by birth, who are labeled uncircumcision by those who are called the Circumcision (a circumcision done by man’s hands on the flesh), 12 Were at that time without Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and without a share in the Covenants of Promise, having no hope and without God in the world, 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who were at one time far away are brought close by the blood of Christ.
V11 Therefore, remember that in the past you Gentiles by birth, who are labeled uncircumcision by those who are called the Circumcision (a circumcision done by man’s hands on the flesh),
Before the church (believers) began at Pentecost, there were two broad groups of people—Jews and Gentiles. Paul, writing to mainly Gentile believers, reminds them that the Jews term non-Jews as Gentiles and not circumcised. There were Gentile believers in the past: 1) all believers before Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Noah is an example), and 2) Gentiles who believed and trusted in the God of Israel as Ruth, Rahab, Naaman, Uriah the Hittite, etc.
The Jewish ceremony of circumcision is an identifier to be under the Mosaic Covenant. See Genesis 17:9-14.
V12 Were at that time without Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and without a share in the Covenants of Promise, having no hope and without God in the world,
What we have without Christ: 1) God’s wrath, 2) guilt from multitudes of sin, 3) consequences of sin, 4) no hope of heaven, 5) no spiritual blessings, 6) no fellowship with the one and only God, etc.
The nation of Israel had special blessings and a relationship with God. There is the Mosaic Law with its conditional blessings (Deuteronomy 28). Obedience to God in body, soul, and spirit brings blessings. Disobedience brings wrath. Obedience is an action of love (John 14:15).
Left to ourselves, all people die and eventually at the end are tried, judged, and sentenced for an eternal conscious torment in the Lake of Fire. Compare Matthew 25:41 and Revelation 20:10-15.
Many of God’s covenants deal only with Israel as the Mosaic covenant, David covenant, Land covenant, etc. Others are for all when we believe and trust the Gospel of Jesus Christ as 1) heaven, 2) fellowship, 3) God’s presence, 4) the new covenant blessings.
8 Covenants link: http://www.messianicassociation.org/ezine19-af.covenants.htm
AskAndyAI (Dr. Andy Woods):
The benefits of the New Covenant for Christians are numerous and profound, reflecting the transformation and blessings that come through faith in Jesus Christ. Here are the key benefits:
- Peace with God: Believers are justified by faith and have peace with God, ending the hostility caused by sin.
- Hope of Future Glory: Justification guarantees believers a future participation in God’s eternal program and glory.
- Strengthened through Trials: Spiritual blessings are not lost but are actually strengthened through trials and sufferings.
- Expression of Christ’s Love: Christ’s atonement demonstrates His love for believers, assuring them of His care and sacrifice.
- Saved from God’s Future Wrath: Believers are saved from the coming wrath of God because of Christ’s sacrifice.
- Reconciliation with God: Believers are reconciled to God, restoring the broken fellowship caused by sin.
- New Creation: Believers become new creatures in Christ, with the old things passing away and new things coming.
- Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit regenerates, seals, and empowers believers for godly living.
- Internal Compulsion to Obey: God’s laws are written on believers’ hearts, enabling a genuine desire and ability to obey.
- Illumination and Liberation: Believers are enlightened spiritually and liberated from the bondage of sin.
- Practical Sanctification: The New Covenant provides the means for ongoing growth in holiness and Christlikeness.
- Unity in the Body of Christ: Believers, both Jew and Gentile, are united as one new man in Christ.
- Eternal Security: The covenant assures believers of their eternal security and unchanging relationship with God.
- Access to God’s Promises: Believers have access to the many promises of God, which are guaranteed by His faithfulness.
- Joy and Peace: Abiding in God’s love brings joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Blessings of the Spirit: Believers receive spiritual blessings that are heavenly and eternal, surpassing earthly blessings.
- Restoration of Fellowship: When fellowship is broken by sin, it can be restored through confession and God’s faithfulness.
- Participation in God’s Kingdom Promises: Believers share in the spiritual blessings that anticipate the future earthly Kingdom of God.
These benefits are all grounded in the finished work of Christ and accessed by faith alone, ensuring that believers are fully justified, eternally secure, and empowered to live godly lives.
V13 But now in Christ Jesus you who were at one time far away are brought close by the blood of Christ.
Faith in Jesus Christ is truly the greatest thing anyone can do. All people are far away from God. Our sin has defiled us, God wants no fellowship with us, and everything about us stinks.
The only person who can save is Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). Only faith and trust in Jesus Christ is the only Gospel. Only our faith in Jesus Christ is the only requirement. Only the death of Jesus Christ is provision for the penalty of our sins.
We learn:
- How evil and lacking all humans are.
- About the many benefits of the New Covenant.
Questions:
- What Gospel did you believe?
- Are you enjoying and thankful for all the benefits of the New Covenant?