One Gospel for the Whole World

The Religious Position of Gentiles

Ephesians 2:11–12 HCSB

So then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called “the uncircumcised” by those called “the circumcised,” which is done in the flesh by human hands. At that time you were without the Messiah, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.

I. They Were Uncircumcised.

II. They Were Without Christ.

III. They Were Aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel.

IV. They Were Strangers to the Covenant of Promise.

V. They Were Without Hope.

VI. They Were Without God in the World.

Once Alienated,

Now Reconciled

Ephesians 2:13–18 HCSB

But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah. For He is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In His flesh, He made of no effect the law consisting of commands and expressed in regulations, so that He might create in Himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. He did this so that He might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross and put the hostility to death by it. When the Messiah came, He proclaimed the good news of peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

I. Distance—Closed. “Ye … are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

II. Division—Joined. “He hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.”

III. Dissension—Appeased. “Having abolished … the enmity.”

IV. Distinction—Forgotten. “Of twain one new man, so making peace.”