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Ephesians 2:14-16
It is important for our understanding of this Bible passage that we define enmity. According to Webster’s Dictionary and Thesaurus, enmity is defined as positive, active, and typically mutual hatred or ill will.
Christ through His death and resurrection has broken down the middle wall of separation between the Jews (Israelites) and the Gentiles. The Jews are God’s chosen people; the Gentiles are everyone else. The Jews had a lot of enmity toward the Gentiles because they were not God’s chosen people. The power of Christ’s resurrection was enough to pay the penalty for all man’s sin, not just the Jews, for if that were the case, the resurrection of Christ would have been limited in its power. Christ brought together Jews and Gentiles in Himself making one new man from the two, thus making peace. Both Jews and Gentiles have been reconciled to God through Christ.
This is the promise that Jesus is our peace.
This is the promise that Jesus has made both one (Jews and Gentiles).
This is the promise that Jesus has broken down the wall of separation.
This is the promise that Jesus has abolished enmity.
This is the promise of peace in Christ.
This is the promise that Christ reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to God through His death on the cross.
I will continue to investigate this topic of the Church and Israel. The Christian world is divided on this topic as Scripture seems to support both views. Some believe that Israel and the Church are the same. Some believe that Israel and the Church are totally separated in our relationship with God. I believe that the main point is that God chose Israel to be an example to the world that He is the only true God. Through the ups and downs of the events of the Israelites in the Old Testament, God wanted the world to see that He is the way, He is the truth, and He is the life that is everlasting. When Jesus taught in the New Testament, He stated in John 14:6 (NKJV), “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” We all have the open door to a relationship with God through salvation in Christ.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to pay the penalty for all man’s sin, that we as Gentiles can have a relationship with You by Your grace through our faith in Christ our Savior. In Jesus name I pray, amen.