Brought near by the blood of Christ
Ephesians 2:13 Only the blood of Christ can bring us nearer to God
“But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
Ephesians 2:13 NASB1995
Today’s devotional verse comes from Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians. The second chapter of his letter deals with three main topics — the need for reconciliation, the process of personal reconciliation with God, and the reconciliation of Gentile and Jew in Jesus. This verse comes near the start of Paul’s explanation of the third part.
Paul’s epistles were usually corrective in nature; as he heard about one of the churches sliding into sin or being taught bad doctrine, he would send a letter gently (or not so gently!) correcting those who were at fault and explaining why the church needed to repent. Ephesians is more of a lesson in Christian doctrine not only to the church in Ephesus, but for all Christians.
Closeness to God had been, before Christ’s sacrificial death, strictly the realm of His chosen people — the Jews. Those who strictly followed the complex set of laws first set out by God and then amended by the Jewish leaders were assured of God’s blessings, and that was it. The Gentiles? Forget it! They were probably off somewhere worshipping Ba’al or making Asherah poles…
Paul is pointing out that the Gentiles who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior are now made near to God. This came about by the blood of Christ in His sacrificial death. For those Gentiles who have not accepted Jesus, God is still distant.
This commentary from Enduring Word explains the importance of the Cross:
It is important that Paul connects the ideas of the great love of Jesus and His sacrificial death. Many people think that preaching Christ crucified is all about a bloody, gory Jesus. But the point of Christ crucified is not gore, but love. Preaching Christ crucified means we preach Jesus full of love — sacrificial, giving, saving love.
Many people still misunderstand this to this day. They think that by belonging to a certain church or denomination, or following some “law” (like not drinking alcohol or eating meat) or specific liturgy is the only way to gain eternal life and be near God. That’s wrong — only the blood of Christ can bring us nearer to God. He suffered and died as a sinner in our place, providing the way through which we are forgiven and given eternal life through our belief.
Paul’s words here helped to close the gap between those who had followed the Jewish laws and came to accept Jesus as Lord, and those who were Gentiles and found faith in God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Today’s prayer comes from Knowing Jesus:
Heavenly Father, thank You that while I was still dead in my trespasses and sins and at enmity with You, Christ Jesus my Lord, died for me. Thank You that His blood paid the price for my sins and that by grace through faith in Him, I have been brought near to You, returned into covenant relationship with You, have been forgiven of my sins, and received the gift of eternal life. To You alone I offer my praise and worship. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.