From Strangers to Citizens: The Transformative Power of Christ
"Therefore 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: 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 2:11-22
Ephesians 2:11-22 (KJV) declares a profound truth about the redemption and unification that believers experience through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul begins with a call to remembrance, urging the Gentiles—those outside the covenant community of Israel—to reflect on their former state. "Therefore 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;" (Ephesians 2:11).
This verse sets the stage for understanding the transformation that Christ brings into the lives of those who were once alienated from God’s promises. To be labeled as "uncircumcision" in a society that prized circumcision as a sign of covenantal belonging was to feel the pain of exclusion. The weight of being "without Christ"—aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants—created a deep spiritual void.
For many, their lives prior to Christ are marked by hopelessness and isolation, akin to a ship lost at sea, longing for safe harbor. Paul emphasizes this condition further: "...having no hope, and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). The dark reality of spiritual estrangement cannot be overstated; the absence of hope can lead one's heart to despair. Yet this is where the narrative takes a miraculous turn.
Paul tells them, "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13). Herein lies the crux of the Gospel: the shedding of Christ's blood is not just a historical event, but a powerful act of reconciliation that alters one's spiritual state. The phrase "made nigh" speaks of intimacy and closeness that replaces alienation. It invites us to embrace a promised relationship—one that restores us to the family of God.
To understand this reconciliation fully, we must grasp that Jesus is our peace. Paul explains further: "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us" (Ephesians 2:14). Imagine a magnificent wall, representing cultural, ethnic, and religious divides, that stands between humanity and a united relationship with God. Through His sacrificial work, Jesus obliterates this barrier, creating a new entity—the Church, wherein all believers, regardless of background, become one body united by shared faith.
The proclamation of peace continues, where Christ not only reconciles earth to heaven but also reconciles humanity with each other: "And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh" (Ephesians 2:17). Christ embodies the peace that transcends human understanding; it is available to both the Jew and the Gentile, uniting them into one harmonious household. In this divine framework, believers are no longer defined by their prior identities but transformed into something greater.
As citizens of this new kingdom, the Church is built on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Christ as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-20). The imagery here is dynamic. Picture a grand cathedral where every stone has a unique role; no stone is unimportant or extraneous. Believers, therefore, play an integral part in what God is constructing in the earth—a "habitation of God through the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:22). This divine dwelling signifies that we are not just members but are part of God’s marvelous presence here on earth.
In conclusion, dear friends, let us not forget where we came from as we embrace our identity in Christ. We were once strangers, but in Him, we are made citizens of a kingdom unshakeable. Our status changes from outsiders to participants in His divine family, invited to share in His peace. May we live encouraged each day, recalling our transformation and sharing this incredible message of hope and reconciliation with those still wandering far off.
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Ephesians 2:11-22 Artwork
Ephesians 2:11-22 - "Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 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. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."
"Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 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. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." - Ephesians 2:11-22
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Ephesians 2:22 - "In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."
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Ephesians 2:11 - "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;"
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Ephesians 2:21-22 - "In whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit."
"In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." - Ephesians 2:22
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Ephesians 5:22 - "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord."
Ephesians 2:2 - "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:"
Ephesians 5:11 - "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
Ephesians 4:22 - "That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;"
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2 Samuel 22:11 - "And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind."
2 Samuel 11:22 - "¶ So the messenger went, and came and shewed David all that Joab had sent him for."