Ephesians_2.14-16

INTRODUCTION

I invite you to take your Bible and open it to the book of Ephesians CH2.   

Those of us who are in Christ Jesus, who are “called…by His own glory and excellence” (cf.  2 Pet. 1:3), know the gift of our salvation.

We know it to be of God.  I am reminded of Jonah praying to the Lord his God from the stomach of the fish saying: “Salvation is from the Lord” (cf. Jonah 2:9).  We could also be reminded of Paul’s words in Eph. 2:8-9 –

8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Salvation is totally of grace and nothing of human effort. 

That is but part of the salvation story.  That is not the end.  We know the gift our salvation – one of grace.

But do you know my beloved what God did in saving us?  Not only did He save us from “the wrath that is to come” (cf. 1 Thess. 1:10), not only did it place His grace & goodness on display, but He placed us in His body. 

As believers, we are not left alone but are united with other believers into a corporate unity called the “body” – “His body.” 

Paul has already alluded to this in the very first chapter of Ephesians.  Look back at Eph. 1:22-23 –

22And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church,
23which is His body…

The most distinctive metaphor for the church is the body of Christ. 

Later Paul will speak of the oneness of this body in Eph. 4:3 –

4There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;
5one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

Being part of the body of Christ is who you are as a believer.  Body is more than a metaphor.  It is your identity as a believer. 

Now you share that identity with other believers who are placed in that same body – of which we call corporate unity. 

We know and love what it is to be united with Christ, but do we know and love what it means to be united with other believers?

This idea of “oneness” is found all throughout the NT.  For example Paul writes to the Galatians in Gal. 3:28 –

28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Whatever your race, creed, nationality, or language; whatever your background, when you become a Christian, you become one with every other believer.  If you are one with Jesus, you are one with each other!

This idea of “oneness” is also found in our current passage from Eph. 2 –

• Verse 14 – Christ “made both groups into one”
• Verse 15 – Christ made “the two into one new man.”
• Verse 16 – Christ reconciled them both “in one body to God through the cross.”
  
  

This oneness is a dominant theme in Paul’s epistles.  Here in Ephesians he speaks of “oneness” in that we are placed in the Body of Christ!

In chapter 2 alone, Paul emphasizes our individual unity with God (i.e. “by grace we have been saved” – v. 8) and our corporate unity with one another (i.e. “made both groups into one” – v. 14).

Now he expresses that union in this way.  Look back at vv. 12-13 –

12remember 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.
13But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

He speaks of “separation” (Gr. χωρίς – a great degree of separation).  He speaks of having been “far off” (Gr. μακράν – a great distance in position).  But now in Christ, you “have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

Beloved, this is what union is all about – being brought near (Gr. ἐγγύς, engys).  Now we can come near, take off our sandals from our feet, and stand on holy ground, as Moses did (cf. Ex. 3:5). 

David had to ask himself this question in Ps. 15:1 –

1…O Lord, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill?

The answer comes in the following verses, but let me highlight v. 2 –

2He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart.

Who is able to live such a life apart from God?  It is only by the blood of Christ that we can even draw near to God, let alone live right before Him.

Integrity, righteousness, and truth are all an outflow of my relationship to Christ.  Why so?

• There is none righteous, not even one (cf. Rom. 3:10-11).
• There is none who does good, not even one (cf. Rom. 3:12).

What a great reminder to us all: 

The Christian life cannot be lived apart from God.  Apart from God we cannot draw near.  Apart from Christ we can do nothing (cf. Jn 15:5 – Jesus says “apart from Me you can do nothing”).

How many of us forget that they only reason we are able to stand in his presence is because of what Christ accomplished on the Cross?

How many of us forget that the only reason we are able to do good works is because God prepared them beforehand for us to do – before time began?

Beloved, this is at the core of who God is…He Himself accomplishes your salvation, your sanctification, and your glorification. 

Anything you achieve in this lifetime that is of worth; your position in Christ is brought about by God Himself on the basis of His grace. 

Paul has already stated God’s motive in all of this in Eph. 2:7 –

7so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

It’s all about showing off His GRACE!  Oh how you have tasted His kindness, my beloved…all because of the wonderful salvation in Christ. 

Now that union with God not only means that you have been brought near, but that you have been united with other believers into a corporate unity.  In short we have obtained union with God and with others because of Christ – His life, His death, and His resurrection.

Read Ephesians 2:14-18.

CONTENT

This is an important portion of Scripture for us to understand,

Ø      for it gives us insight into how this union was accomplished

Ø      and it gives us insight into the deep rift between the Jews and the Gentiles

Ø      and what God did in Christ to bring the two entities into one entity.

Now it is hard to imagine that there could ever be a rift between two groups of people, but let me just say that IT EXISTS.

One Illustration: You might recall there was a huge split in the nation of Israel.  The 10 tribes to the North said this when the split occurred in 1 Kings 12:16 –

16…“What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse; To your tents, O Israel! Now look after your own house, David!” So Israel departed to their tents.

This was a deliberate, willful rebellion against the house of David (cf. 1 K 12:19). 

They basically said: “there isn’t anything keeping us together, see ya, wouldn’t want to be ya!”

That rift which was created in 931 B.C., continued to the time of Christ.  The players may have changed (i.e. the Romans & Jews; Pharisees & Sadducees), but there were still various kinds of bitter internal strife and factionalism taking place.  It should not surprise as that deep rifts occur to this day!

That is why the principle Jesus made to the Pharisees holds so much truth and insight.  Luke records this principle in Luke 11:17 –

17…a house divided against itself falls.

Mark records it this way in Mark 3:25 –

25“If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.

Israel did not last long, the relationship between Israel and the Romans did not last long.  It all fell apart.  Divisions have a way of keeping people away.

Now, in the same way, there was a deep rift between the Jews and Gentiles. 

There was both a social and spiritual rift between these two groups. 

1. Socially, the Jews considered Gentiles to be outcasts, objects of derision, and reproach. 
2. Spiritually, only Jews were considered to be the chosen people of God and therefore partake of God’s unique blessing and protection.  Gentiles on the other hand worshipped multiple gods and lived a life without hope.

We saw a bit of this in Ephesians 2:12 –

 
12remember that you [i.e. “the Gentiles in the flesh” – cf. v. 11] 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.

Now, Paul says that rift is done away with because “He Himself is our peace” and that is what Paul lays down as the foundation.

In this portion of Scripture Paul emphasizes two elements:

1. The Affirmation of Peace – vv. 14-16
2. The Proclamation of Peace – vv. 17-18

Now let me say that it is imperative to understand and experience peace.  Not just to live and experience peace with God, but with one another in the Body of Christ.

The affirmation of peace – vv. 14-16

14For He Himself is our peace…

Notice that the emphasis is on Christ.  The Greek text has only one pronoun, αὐτός, but it is in the emphatic position.  That is why we have our English translations: “He Himself.”

Christ continues to be the central figure in this section (vv. 14-18). 

Look back at v. 13 –

13But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

It is Jesus alone who is our peace; there is no other source.  You could not know true peace nor experience peace apart from Christ. 

It is peace that He and He alone brings.  You might recall the prophecy made in Isaiah 9:6 –

6For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

It is no surprise that when the angels witnessed the fulfillment of this prophecy burst into song in Luke 2:14 –

14“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

Peace exists because of Christ.  Because of what Christ did on the cross, there is peace.  Jesus =  peace.  A better rendering could be: “he in his own person” is our peace.  It is uncommon to think of Christ as being peace.

That Jesus is our peace is the main affirmation that Paul wants to get across.  Affirmation implies conviction based on evidence. 

It is our conviction there is peace because of Christ.  He is our evidence that peace exists. 

Now much was accomplished to bring about peace – to make peace a reality. 

The goal was to make the two groups into one.  This is said in v. 14 –

14For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one…

Q:  What two groups are we talking about?

A:  Believing Jews (i.e. those who were “near”) and Gentiles (i.e. those who were “far”).

Where there is disunity before, now there is unity. That the beautiful truth about peace – it has a way of bringing people together and not splitting them apart.  Sin separates, peace unites. 

Now I want you to notice the tense this is written in (i.e. when did this action take place).  It is written in the aorist tense (i.e. past tense). 

The point is that the peace mentioned was accomplished by Christ’s death on the cross.  It is not what God is doing but what he did 2000 years ago.

As soon as “Christ yielded up His spirit” what happened?  “The veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (cf. Matt. 27:51).

Direct access to God to all men who would turn to Christ for salvation.

But the fact that Christ made the two groups into one still does not state how this was accomplished.  Paul explains in v. 14 –

14For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,

Literally he broke down the “dividing wall of the barrier.”   Actually the word translated as “barrier” in Greek speaks of a fence.

For example a “fence” or “hedge” as around a vineyard or field.  The main purpose being to protect.  You would use a fence or a hedge to protect your vineyard or field from intruders.

Q:  Now what is this fence between Jews and Gentiles?

A:  That fence is the Law.  Notice what Paul writes in v. 15 –

15by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances…

Plus in later rabbinics, the fence was indentified as the law itself which protected Israel from pagan practices. 

The law itself served as a protection to Israel, so that they should mingle   in no way with other nations.  You may recall that the law required the Jews to be holy separate.  Thus they could not eat with Gentiles or intermarry with them. 

One of the laws given to Israel was that of circumcision (cf. v. 11).  This often led to a hostility of Jews toward Gentiles and vice versa. 

It is no surprise that “enmity” existed between the two groups.  Verse 14 should read like the ESV –

14For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of [the] hostility
15by 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,

That is to say that the hostility between Jews and Gentiles has been destroyed, and this was accomplished by making the law inoperative for those who are in Christ.

Listen carefully, Christ abolished [i.e. rendered inoperative] the law of commandments expressed in ordinances.

You might recall in our study of the Law through the book of Galatians that the Law was given to man to show the depth of his sin and the need for mercy and grace.  Sadly the Jews “missed the boat” if you will.

They merely looked on the external requirements of the Law (i.e. the Law of commandments expressed in ordinances) but never the spiritual purpose of the Law – to reveal your sin & inability to live according to God’s holy standard. 

Paul states in Galatians that the law was intended to “lead us to Christ” (cf. Gal. 3:24). After a person comes to Christ, there is no longer need for “the supervision” of the Law, disciplining us to fulfill its external ceremonies and rituals.  In coming to Christ we are then justified, not by our own works of the Law, but on the basis of faith.   

Once you arrive at Christ, the law has done its work. 

That is why the law of commandments contained in ordinances has been abolished. 

The stipulations of the law were to protect the Jew from the practices of the world, yet they were to always be a “kingdom of priests” (cf. Ex. 19:6).  

They were to keep the law and thus provide an opportunity to witness to their Gentile neighbors of God’s grace and mercy.

Rather than using the law as a witness, they used it as a tool to “look down” on Gentiles.  You can imagine how “hostility” came into being.

The Gentiles took them to be prideful and stubborn. 

To solve the problem of hostility on both sides, the law was rendered inoperative in Christ’s flesh. 

Q:  Now why did God do this in Christ?

A:  The answer is found in v. 15 –

15…so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace,

The answer then is so as to create one “new man.” 

“So that” indicates purpose.  The purpose of rendering the law of commandments, consisting in decrees, was to create in himself one new man out of the two groups.

When Christ makes something new you better believe that it is entirely different from anything before. 

Here it is not that Gentiles become Jews nor is it that Jews become Gentiles, but both become “one new man.”  Don’t you like that?

This is inline with what Paul wrote in Gal. 6:15 –

15For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

Most familiar is what Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 5:17 –

17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature;

the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

You are a “new creature,” “a new man,” and are reconciled into “one body” which is the church.

The church is really then made up of Christians, not Jews or Gentiles. 

As Paul states in Gal. 3:28 –

28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Can I get a witness?  Can I get an Amen?

When Christ makes something new, you better believe that it is good.  The end result is that you have peace.  Notice the last phrase in v. 15 –

15…thus establishing peace,

Do you know that the opposite of hostility is peace?  Again, the unity of believers is stressed.

That is why it is inconceivable that there by divisions among Christians. 

To create divisions, factions, and rifts in the body of Christ is to reject the work of Christ on the cross. 

It is to say “I do not care what He accomplished on the cross, I want what I want and I want what I want right now.”  Total selfishness. 

That is why if you want hostility in any group, simply be selfish.

Now the following verse, verse 16, gives us the second purpose for the law to be rendered inoperative.  It is not only for the purpose of creating one new man from two distinct groups but also to reconcile both of them to God himself. 

Listen to what Paul writes in v. 16 –

16and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.

Paul is the only NT author to use the word “to reconcile.”  He coined the word.  The word in Greek is ἀποκαταλλάσσω.

Here Christ is the one who reconciles and the two groups are the ones being reconciled.  Again unity.  Notice that they are being reconciled “to God” through the cross.

This seems a little reverse.  First we think of reconciliation of individuals to God and then to each other.  Here it is in reverse order. 

Either way, reconciliation exacted a heavy price, the death of God’s son on a cross of shame.  It is there that Christ reconciled two groups to God.  It is there that Christ put the enmity between God and man to rest.

CONCLUSION

Listen as I read a portion of a puritan prayer titled, the Grace of the Cross:

O MY SAVIOR,

I thank thee from the depths of my being

 for thy wonderous grace and love

 in bearing my sin in thine own on the tree.

May thy cross be to me

 as the tree that sweetens my bitter Marahs,

 as the rod that blossoms with life and beauty,

 as the brazen serpent that calls forth the look of faith.

By thy cross crucify my every sin;

Use it to increase my intimacy with thyself;

Make it the ground of all my comfort,

 the liveliness of all my duties,

 the sum of all thy gospel promises,

 the comfort of all my affections,

 the vigour of my love, thankfulness, graces,

 the very essence of my religion;

And by it give me that rest without rest,

 the rest of ceaseless praise.

Let us pray.