Lessons

The lesson on December 15, 2013 was part 10 of the “Ephesians” study and continued almost to the end of chapter two. As is usual, we reviewed the previous lesson where we learned the proper interpretation of verse 8 where we learn that “for by grace are you saved through faith” not of yourselves.  The “not of yourselves” applies to the entire idea together.  We learned that we have been created in Christ as a new man who has been prepared for good works.  This is the proper order because your works have nothing to do with your salvation. The remaining part of chapter two involves the theme of distance.  Paul is explaining how Gentiles were far from God where the Jew was very close to God.  Even in the Acts period, the Gentiles were brought near but still within Israel’s calling.  Post Acts, there is a new man created removing the enmity between the Jew and Gentile bringing them together without conflict.  The scripture reading was in Ephesians 2:11-18 KJV “11 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; 12 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: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 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; 16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”