United through His Blood

United Through The Blood

Introduction: The Jews were privileged in being the chosen people of God. They were under a covenant with God which included distinct responsibilities and activities they were required to adhere to. Their diet was different, their clothing was different, and their practices were different.

They were chosen by God to be His people. They were to be an example of what it means to be the people of God. Somehow though they took this privilege and distorted it. They took for granted the love and mercy of God and began to snub others. Even after the death of Christ they failed to exemplify the love of God towards others with joy and inclusion.

It is for this fact that Paul addresses the church at Ephesus. His intention is to enlighten the Ephesian Church, this Gentile nation of the Grace of God. He wants them to understand that though God did choose a people, and He expanded the choice to even the gentiles. He says that they too, the Ephesians, were the people of God through the blood of Jesus.

Proposition: Salvation is for everyone who believes and accepts Christ as Savior. We are saved by His blood which He shed on Calvary.

1. Through His Blood We are United in Peace ()

Ephesians 2:14–15 ESV

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,

-We have Christ in common

- Christ is the preequsite for salvation

- 1 Corinthians 14:33

2. Through His Blood We are United in Reconciliation with God ()

Ephesians 2:16–17 ESV

and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.

- We are one community

- Through the blood we one family

- He came to benefit us all ()

3. Through His Blood We are United In Access to God ()

Ephesians 2:18 ESV

For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

- we have the same privileges

- Prayer

Conclusion:

It is well with my soul . . .

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:

It is well with my soul,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:

If Jordan above me shall roll,

No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life

Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,

The sky, not the grave, is our goal;

Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!

Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

Even so, it is well with my soul.