Ephesians 2
Romans 3:23 and other scripture indicate how "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". Romans 6:23 tells us that the "wages of sin are death". As such, Paul reminds us that we are deserving of wrath - we all need a Savior. Jesus is that Savior - core to our identity in Christ.
Paul also shares with us how both Jews and Gentiles - all humanity - are now "brought near by the blood of Christ".
As well we see the "setting aside...the law with its commands and regulations".
John Piper provides this overview of how Jesus came to fulfill the law. Piper writes:
"When Jesus Christ came into the world, he was the fulfillment of the entire Old Testament. The Old Testament had looked forward and pointed to the coming Messiah who would bring his kingdom — his new kingly rule. And when he did, they knew things would change. There was a new covenant promise where God’s law would be written on the heart. The old covenant would pass away."
And now we have an identity in Christ based on the new covenant through Jesus Christ.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has died for me and brought me near to You by grace - thank You Jesus! I am very clear that I am undeserving. I sin...daily and need a Savior. Please forgive me and help me turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. v3-5
Romans 3:23 and other scripture indicate how "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". Romans 6:23 tells us that the "wages of sin are death". As such, Paul reminds us that we are deserving of wrath - we all need a Savior. Jesus is that Savior - core to our identity in Christ.
Paul also shares with us how both Jews and Gentiles - all humanity - are now "brought near by the blood of Christ".
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. v13-16
As well we see the "setting aside...the law with its commands and regulations".
John Piper provides this overview of how Jesus came to fulfill the law. Piper writes:
"When Jesus Christ came into the world, he was the fulfillment of the entire Old Testament. The Old Testament had looked forward and pointed to the coming Messiah who would bring his kingdom — his new kingly rule. And when he did, they knew things would change. There was a new covenant promise where God’s law would be written on the heart. The old covenant would pass away."
And now we have an identity in Christ based on the new covenant through Jesus Christ.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has died for me and brought me near to You by grace - thank You Jesus! I am very clear that I am undeserving. I sin...daily and need a Savior. Please forgive me and help me turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
