Ephesians 2:13-18 "But now in CHRIST JESUS ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of CHRIST. For HE is our peace, WHO hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in HIS flesh the enmity, even the Law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in HIMSELF of twain one new man, so making peace; and that HE might reconcile both unto GOD in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through HIM we both have access by one SPIRIT unto the FATHER."
Today, GOD does not distinguish between the "Circumcision" and the "Uncircumcision" (v.11), between the Jew and the rest of the Gentile world; both stand the same before HIM - guilty ! All men, regardless of creed or culture, are sinners and share in common the desperate need to be saved (Romans 3:9-30). In the church age, the Jew does not have an advantage over the Gentile with respect to approaching GOD; every person must come by way of the bloodstained cross, as today's text reveals. In this dispensation of grace, there is one body - the church-composed of saved Jews and Gentiles who are now "Christians." The HOLY SPIRIT baptizes, or places, the individual into this relationship the very moment he or she believes (1st.Corinthians 12:13 pictured above).
The ecumenical movement often uses today's text in the attempt to scripturally justify their efforts to bring together all denominations and traditions, Catholic and Orthodox included. In JESUS CHRIST, the temple's veil that once separated Jew and Gentile (not "denominational barriers" !) is done away (vv.13-14 pictured above). The LORD creates this spiritual harmony; it is not a man-made alliance that encompasses Bible-rejecting liberals or those who preach a false gospel. Many prominent religious movements and denominations today boast in their ability to "tear down walls"; however, this supposed unity is derived at the expense of the pure Gospel and sound doctrine. The "one body" mentioned in our text is made up only of those who have come "by the cross" (vv.15-18). While the ecumenists may pride themselves in their inclusive, innovative approaches to man-centered unions, only GOD can produce a truly HOLY SPIRIT filled accord. DWC
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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