The Book of Ephesians - Christ Our Peace: Breaking Down The Walls
The Book of Ephesians: Christ Our Peace: Breaking Down The Walls
Ephesians 2:11-22
The apostle Paul delivers a powerful message about unity and transformation in a divided world. He begins by urging believers to remember their former state as Gentiles - outsiders who were completely separated from God's covenant people, like broken-down vehicles in a spiritual junkyard with no hope or access to God's promises. This remembrance isn't meant to create guilt but to cultivate gratitude and humility, preventing pride and helping us appreciate the magnitude of God's grace. The transformation from separation to unity came through Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. When Christ died, something supernatural occurred - the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles was destroyed. Christ didn't just make peace; He became our peace, uniting two enemy groups into one new humanity. Those who were once far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ, experiencing a complete and permanent change in status. This new identity brings both privileges and responsibilities. We are no longer spiritual aliens with limited access but naturalized citizens of God's kingdom with full rights and privileges. Built on the solid foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ as the cornerstone, this unified community is called to live differently from the world. Instead of building walls of division, believers must build bridges of connection, representing Christ's peace in daily relationships and remaining connected to the household of faith where God's Spirit dwells.