Lesson 2091

(Lesson 2091)(08-27-17)  Ephesians 2:11-22
    “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 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. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

    Today’s quote, to me, is one of the most precious that can be found in the New Testament. Therein, Paul established that through Jesus Christ, the laws of the commandments and ordinances that were given to the Jews were “abolished”. Also, through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Gentiles were recognized as equals of the Jews as inheritors of the grace of God through His promise to Abraham.
    There are so many today, claiming to be Christians, who contend that obedience to the Ten Commandments is prerequisite to eternal salvation. As this lesson so vividly demonstrates, nothing could be further from the truth. Herein, Paul stated clearly that the perfection of Jesus and His sacrifice abolished those rules. That means those commandments no longer exist, therefore we have no requirement to obey them. However, a true Christian will live according to the standards set out in those commandments out of our love for our Father God, His beloved Son, Jesus and our fellow man/woman.
    As the latter part of the quote demonstrates, those of us whom have placed our faith in the Son of God, through faith, have become bonded together with Jesus as the children of God, forever.~