August 17th, 2025: The Two Made One | Ephesians 2:11-22

At the time of this writing, Paul is laying the foundation and building the framework for the New Testament Church. The ceremonial (physical) temple of sacrifices is ending, and the church age (spiritual temple) is beginning. How hard could it be to unite Jews and Gentiles into one group of believers? About the same on the difficulty scale as blending today’s denominations into one bride of Christ! The book of Ephesians is a letter for all churches reminding Christians everywhere that there is really only one body of believers, one bride of Christ. Adorned with different members and elaborately different parts, we serve the same purpose. Let us glorify God and recruit as many as possible! 

Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

So how did we get here? After Noah’s flood, there was one family. They re-populated the world with the knowledge of God and the history of what had been. God chose a second man, Abraham, to start over with the knowledge of the one true God. A symbol of their covenant agreement, God instructs Abraham in circumcision.  

And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. (Genesis 17: 7-11).

Over time, those not in Abraham’s family moved farther and farther away from the truth. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 1:20-25).

It is important to understand that circumcision was a purposeful piece of the covenant and showed physically the relationship with the one true God by the family of Abraham, later called the nation of Israel, and today called the Jews. This is the fleshly procedure, ordained by God, and performed by human hands that separated the Jews from the non Jews (also known as Gentiles). Gentiles outside of the covenant of Abraham did not have the promises, hope, protection or established method of sacrifice for sin.  

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ

As always, Christ Jesus changes everything!  The door is open for all men, women, boys and girls to participate in a covenant of salvation between God the Father and Jesus.  Jesus’ sacrifice for sin was completed once and for all.  

Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:25-28).

Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection draws both Jews and Gentiles. It is no longer a division by physical circumcision; it is the circumcision of the heart, a spiritual sign.  

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

So how hard can it be to combine the Jew and the Gentile into the one bride of Christ? Consider the fact that today, across the world, there are over 45,000 Christian denominations. Joining together as one is not mankind’s strong suit!  At the time of Paul, as well as in many places today, to become a follower of Jesus Christ can separate families, affect social status, and lead to death/martyrdom. The church should never forget to pray for their fellow Christians in hostile and religiously restricted areas across the globe. Which is exactly the point.  Regardless of where we live, what we do, or even how we look, believers in Jesus are one body.  We are united as one through the cross of Calvary. We have the same King, the same Holy Spirit, the same promises and provisions.  We are no longer two (Jews/Gentiles); we are one.

And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. (Luke 9:49-50).

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

These verses are priceless! We are not strangers any longer to the promises and word of God.  Our part of the building is not a building way out back somewhere. We are as close as we want to be. There is no one who has to stay out; all are welcome to come in. We are not aliens or immigrants. We are fellow citizens with all the saints (all the believers). We are joint heirs with Christ. When we have the same foundation, Jesus, then the petty differences don’t matter.  Our preferences should only collide when they do not align with the truth of God’s word. God can and will use us however, whenever, and for whatever he deems necessary.  He is putting it together.  This temple is fitly framed - flawed at times,  but perfectly in place, because He is building this temple. The prophets and the apostles teach us the mind of God and the purpose of Christ. They direct us to the cornerstone of our savior and remind us of God’s loving kindness, and His plan of salvation.  All of this to repair a relationship broken by sin.  We are built for the habitation of God through His Spirit. Despite our opinions, it is the spirit and truth that count most.   

Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4: 20-24).

May we all learn to unite under the common banner of our Savior and Lord, the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. 

Thank you for studying with us! God bless!