Paul explained in Ephesians 2:11-12 that we were once separated from God, and he listed six ways in which we were were far off. We were without respect, without Christ, without citizenship, without covenants, without hope and without God. As unbelieving Gentiles, we were far off. “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace” (Eph. 2:13-14a). 

As we discussed in the mystery God revealed to us, Christ came for all of us, no matter the nationality, color, tongue or any other outward appearance. “My dear children I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:1-2)

Paul says this “bringing near” was accomplished—not on our own merit, but it was accomplished by the blood of Christ. The sacrifice of Christ by which He gave up His life for us through a painful death, brought us near the Lord. Contrary to the six things listed as “far off” from God in Ephesians 2:11-12, instead we have been “brought near”; that gives us peace with God as we are no longer His enemies.

By faith we are blessed with every spiritual blessing, chosen to be holy and blameless, adopted into His family, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, forgiven and reconciled with the Father, who has shared His wonderful mystery with us that gives us eternal hope, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit, to show that we belong to Him, guaranteeing our eternal security, and we are now seated with Christ. “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom 5:1)

In Christ we have peace with the Lord as well as other believers. The only way people can be at genuine peace with each other is in Christ. Christ is our peace. He came so that we might be at peace with each other and the Lord.

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