The Need for Reconciliation
A. We are now alive in Christ, but we were once dead, v. 1
1. Trespasses, we were rebels against God
2. Sins, we were failures as people
B. The Life of Death, vv. 2-3
1. Inherited from Adam, sinners by nature and choice.
2. Influenced by the world system, “the course of this world.”
3. Orchestrated by Satan, “the prince of the power of the air.”
4. Living a Zombie life, “in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind.”
5. Condemned as “children of wrath.”
The Process of Reconciliation
A. The Divine Contrast, v. 4: “But God . . . because of His great love wherewith he loved us.”
Adam Clark, the British Methodist theologian, said: “As they were corrupt in their nature, and sinful in their practice, they could possess no merit, nor have any claim upon God; and it required much mercy to remove so much misery, and to pardon such transgressions.”
B. Our Past, v. 5
1. We were dead.
2. We were resurrected spiritually in Christ.
C. Our Present, v. 6: We sit in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Adam Clark said, “And now we sit in heavenly places–we have a right to the kingdom of God, anticipate this glory, and are indescribably happy in the possession of this salvation, and in our fellowship with Christ Jesus.”
D. Our Future, v. 7: God shows the Gospel of Grace throughout human history and eternity.
E. Conclusion, vv. 8-10
1. Salvation is by grace, v. 8. Salvation is the “it”–>the gift of God, not faith.
2. Salvation is not of works, v. 9.
3. Our salvation is God’s masterpiece, v. 10.
a. The word “workmanship” comes from the Greek word “poiema,” from which we get our English word “poem.”
b. God’s masterpiece is created for good works, predestined “that we should walk in them” (Amplified Bible).
The Reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles
A. The Need for Reconciliation between Gentiles and Jews, vv. 11-12
1. Gentiles did not have the access to God than the Jews enjoyed: “having no hope, and without God.”
a. Aliens, not citizens accorded rights in the commonwealth of Israel.
b. Strangers, not allowed access inside the Temple and teachings of God.
2. Jews did not include Gentiles into their faith and family and nation.
B. Gentiles Brought Near to God through Christ Jesus, v. 13.
1. The blood of Christ brings Gentiles near.
2. Gentiles not in Christ Jesus are still far off.
C. Christ Is Our Peace, v. 13.
1. Christ is the common ground for salvation for both Jew and Gentile.
2. There is no more any separation between groups of people.
3. All are saved through the blood of Christ.
The source of contention between Jew and Gentile was the fact that the Gentiles did not keep the law. But since Jesus fulfilled the law on our behalf, and since He bore the penalty for our failure to keep the law, we are reconciled through His work on the cross – putting to death the source of contention.
4. Believing Jews and Gentiles are brought together in one body, the Church, v. 16-18.
a. “made near by the blood,”
b. “having abolished in His flesh the enmity,”
c. “in one body through the cross.”
D. A Picture of God’s Work of Reconciliation, vv. 19-22, both for individuals and groups.
1. Gentiles “are no more strangers and foreigners,” but “fellowcitizens” and members “of the household of God.”
2. Gentiles are “built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” their teachings in the New Testament.
3. Jesus is the “Chief Corner Stone.”
E. The Church is:
1. a Building, perfectly designed by God. It is not a haphazard piles of rocks. God arranges the Church for His own glory and purposes.
2. a Habitation where God lives within the people.
3. a Temple, holy and set apart to God. We serve as priests, offering the spiritual sacrifices of our lives and hearts to God.