Covenantal Reconciliation

We’re launching into a new sermon series through the book of Ephesians that we’re calling ‘New Creation.’ Ephesians unfolds a bold drama of the revelation/ apocalypse of the reconciliation of all things and the unification of Heaven and Earth through the work/person of Jesus. It’s a remarkable book and one that has long been heralded for its rich, deep theology.

Ephesians 2:1-22 contain two parallel passages: One that deals with the story of his non-Jewish audience from a cosmic perspective and the other from their covenantal perspective. This week, we narrowed in on vv. 11-22 (their story from a covenantal perspective). Paul reminds them that they (we) were separated from Christ and from the commonwealth of God’s chosen people, Israel. Israel turned their election into arrogant privilege and acted in hostility towards those outside the covenant (i.e. “the uncircumcision,” the nations, gentiles, etc.). “But now,” as v. 13ff triumphantly declares (cf. v. 4), “13 …in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have beenbrought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us bothone and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the lawof commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new manin place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one bodythrough the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” It’s absolutely crazy just how much is going on here and we made every attempt to dig in.

Give Ephesians 2:1-22 a read and a listen and we hope to see you this week at a Family Meal and/or a DNA group to dive even deeper.