Paul was writing to the Gentile Christians in Ephesus. As Gentiles, they were not circumcised, were not Jews, were not his chosen people, nor did they receive the covenants nor the promises. Though they were far from God, they have been brought near to God through the blood of Christ. We, too, went far from God, but have been brought near to God by the blood of Christ.

Christ is our peace. Through his perfect sacrifice on the cross, Jesus did away with the old system of laws and sacrifices. Now, anyone can draw near to God through his blood. Ultimately, God's plan was to unite the Jews and Gentiles through Christ's sacrifice. They are now reconciled and united in him and enjoy real peace with each other through the Holy Spirit.

Thus, all Christians belong to the household of God, are citizens of his kingdom, and are built into the living temple of God with Christ as the chief cornerstone and the prophets and apostles as the foundations. This is the vessel of the Holy Spirit. Is there any believer that you need to reconcile with?


Application: Father, thank you for Jesus who died on the cross to reconcile us to you and to others to make one body in Christ. Help me to enjoy your peace with others through Christ's blood.
One Word: Reconciled through Christ's blood