From Then to Now

Ephesians 2:11–13 NASB95

11 Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so-called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Thesis: My intent is to move everyone who is in Christ and unable to prove your lineage to Israel, to fully consider how disadvantaged we were then, how privileged we are now in Christ Jesus, and to a higher appreciation toward GOD!! Greater appreciation because where I am now.

We are at an important junction in this passage. Paul has explained how GOD made all Christians alive, although they were dead. He then emphasized that we were saved by God’s grace. Paul wants that locked into their minds so they can grasp what he’s about to tell them next.

Remember

His urge is for them to remember, or to actively call something to mind. But it doesn’t make sense if they haven’t registered what GOD has done to make them alive and save them by grace. As we reviewed a couple weeks ago, there are similarities between what Paul expresses in this letter and Moses’ words to Israel. In Exodus 13:3 “3 Moses said to the people, “Remember this day in which you went out from Egypt, from the house of slavery; for by a powerful hand the Lord brought you out from this place. And nothing leavened shall be eaten.” The idea is not just a mental one. This manner of remembering includes action. Consider Genesis 8:1 “1 But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the cattle that were with him in the ark; and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the water subsided.” And then 1 Corinthians 11:23–24 “23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.””

But Paul isn’t telling all of his readers to remember. He specifies the Gentiles in the flesh. Which Jews considered non-Israelite nations who didn’t belong to GOD. To further highlight which readers Paul is referring to, he paints the picture from a Jewish perspective. Jews received circumcision through Abraham, and it was a sign of God’s covenant relationship with him, and all of his descendants and anyone who converted. It was also a test of fellowship, even for Jewish Christians holding on to Judaism. So when they called people “Uncircumcision”, it was derogatory. Other nations practiced circumcision, like many in America today. But not for the purpose of being God’s people. Recall David’s words about Goliath: Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, who defies the armies of the Living GOD! All this to show that Paul is speaking to those who are not Israelites in the flesh.

Remember where you were THEN

Well what is it that Paul wants them to remember and what time. There are 5 disadvantages that Paul wants them to remember about then:

Separated (where)

They were separate or without Christ. Notice that Paul just uses the term “Christ”, which means the anointed. The Hebrew term is Messiah. Thus when he says that Gentiles were without Christ, it means without the Messiah. Without the rule and government and peace that people looked forward to in a savior. Consider how many responded toward Jesus in John 6, they were anticipating a Messiah so much, especially in their political circumstances, that they were ready to make him king, who they knew would rule over all. As Gentiles, these messianic ties were not a reality.

Excluded (Keep out)(where)

They were also excluded or alienated from commonwealth of Israel. Commonwealth is simply citizenship. And with citizenship there are rights, privileges, and responsibilities. The root of alienated means “other”. Some of us have experienced what it’s like to be “othered” or constantly treated like we don’t belong. By law, unless one was a slave or convert, it was an Israel-only type of world. And even a slave and converts rights were limited. Listen how Nehemiah responds to folk from other nations regarding rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall, Neh 2:19-20.

Unacquainted (who)

Then with respect to the covenants that GOD made. Some major covenants GOD made, Abraham promised land, descendants, and blessing. Moses given law to govern and shape people’s relationship to GOD in promised land, and a long list of blessings tied to it if obedient. David promised a descendant to reign over God’s people, in an everlasting kingdom. Paul further speaks of the advantages of Israel in Romans 3:1–2 “1 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? 2 Great in every respect. First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.” Romans 9:4–5 “4 who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, 5 whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.”

Application: That means all the scriptures we read of God’s promises, did not apply to us!!

Deprived (what)

Last Paul say, Gentiles had no hope, which is tied to promises of salvation and resurrection. Then without GOD, which doesn’t necessarily refer to disbelief or rejection, rather a lack of knowledge and relationship with GOD. This was their status as non-Israelite nation!!

Remember where you are NOW

BUT NOW!!! From Then To NOW!! The then is summarized by formerly far off: separate, excluded, foreigners, not having, and without. Complete outsiders. And to summarize where they were then, Paul uses “far off” which is the same phrase Jesus uses describing the gulf that existed between Lazarus and the Rich Man in Hades in Luke 16. Abraham says there that it’s impossible to cross!!!

How is my NOW possible considering where I was THEN?

But with Christ, all things are possible. Now, in Christ, that gap has been closed with GOD. Not based on circumcision in the flesh, or any other expectation Jews had/have for other nations, but we have been brought near by the blood of Christ!!

Application: Our active remembrance, when we worship GOD through Jesus, should include remembering how distant we were as Gentiles in the flesh! Then realizing the gap that Jesus closed when he shed his blood!! When we remember his suffering, we should remember how we didn’t have a messiah nor covenant nor word from GOD then. But Now, when I read:

Psalm 34:17–18 “17 The righteous cry, and the Lord hears And delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 “6 “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.””

Joshua 1:9 “9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.””

Psalm 23:4 “4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Conclusion: Aren’t you glad you can recall and say, from then to now. Then I was estranged from GOD, by nature of being born the race I am!!! But now, IN Christ Jesus, I’ve been brought near by his blood!!