Ephesians

Pastor Gordon Crook

Chapter 2

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-13

Very well known portion that can be quoted by most Christians, but often seems to be misunderstood by many. This is the simplest statement of the Gospel of God’s grace. Any person can be saved, and it is always the same way; by grace through faith. Any person who believes (puts their trust) in Jesus is granted salvation by God’s grace. Nothing else to add; nothing else to do. 

The simple reason for this is to make sure that no one will get to take credit for helping in some way to bring about their own salvation. The credit, and therefore glory, goes entirely and only to God. You can pair this with Romans 3:23-24 to understand that every person needed the same salvation. No one comes to Jesus with better credentials than someone else.

We then notice that something comes from that work of grace. We now are able to produce good works in Christ Jesus. This was something Jesus spoke about in His ministry here. In John 15, speaking of bearing fruit (good works), He plainly says that “for without me ye can do nothing.” We cannot bring “good works” or “fruit” to Him to help with our salvation. 

“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:” Ephesians 2:11-16. 

Since this letter is written primarily to gentiles (Ephesians), he reminds them (and us) that outside of Christ, we had no part in the promises that were given to Israel. We were “without hope” in this world, but God changed that through Jesus. Notice that the distinction here is “Gentiles in the flesh.” In our natural state, we are not part of Israel. However, spiritually, we will be brought into God’s family just as the Jew must also. The new covenant is spiritual and it includes whosoever will. God truly intends to bring in from “every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.”

The blood of Jesus brings us “near.” This is not just an little closer, but truly coming into the presence of God. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” Hebrews 10:19-22. 

All of humanity was estranged from God’s presence. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23. We had no way to approach into God’s presence because of our sin. Now we can come in with “assurance;” confidence that We are accepted in the Beloved. We are not just made aware of this privilege, but rather encouraged to take advantage of it.

Now we find Jesus bringing both together in Himself. The Law that was given to Israel and is what makes them separate from the other nations is now “abolished;” “rendered useless” is the Greek. Why “useless?” Because it could not make us righteous which is what we were missing. So many Christians today miss this, or intentionally ignore it and want to stay under the Law. It is referred to as the “enmity.” Paul tells us in Romans that the only thing the Law could do is to show us our sin. It could never produce righteousness. Only a “new creation;” the life of Jesus Christ can make us righteous.

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. Ephesians 2:16-22.

Now there is no difference before God. Jew, gentile, all one in Jesus. Paul uses the concept of a building to illustrate what God is doing. A building needs a foundation, which is God’s Word. The Apostles and Prophets are the ones God chose to give us His Word. Jesus is the cornerstone. The foundation requires a cornerstone to set the location and to square it up correctly. 

While many men have tried, through the ages, to put their own ideas and philosophies in to building, we can be certain that the real foundation is set and does not change. We are God’s building. He is the builder. We fit where and how He wants. We only look to Jesus for our instruction.