Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"And that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity."
Text: Ephesians 2:16
RECONCILED THEM BOTH IN ONE BODY
Paul was fascinated with how Jesus would be able to bring about reconciliation. There were at least three obstacles that must be faced and overcome.
1. The Jewish obstacle
Especially with reference to their appeal to the law of commandments.
2. The Gentile obstacle
Their ignorance and idolatrous practices were appalling.
3. The “one body” obstacle
Wherein would the foundation be found?
REFERENCE TO ANOTHER MAJOR EPISTLE OF PAUL
The Epistle to the Ephesians did not deal with how these problems were resolved. Paul devoted much time and energy to this task in his monumental theological treatise called The Epistle to the Romans. However, we may summarise what Paul wrote in Romans.
1. The first step was to prove that both Jew and Gentiles were equally sinful
Paul argued strenuously concerning this fundamental truth.
“What then? Are we (Jews) better than they (Gentiles)?
Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks
that they are all under sin.”
ROMANS 3:9
2. The next step was to prove that no one could be justified by the deeds of the law
This does not mean that the Law of God was invalid. Paul sought to point out a vital truth. No one could keep all the laws of God perfectly.
“Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be
justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge
of sin.”
ROMANS 3:20
3. The third step was to prove that righteousness is to be obtained through faith in Christ alone
Since both Jew and Gentile are adjudged guilty, with or without the Law, other provisions must be found. Paul argued that God had provided imputed righteousness through faith in Christ.
“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law
is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference
(Between Jew and Gentile)”
ROMANS 3:21-22
THE LAW OF FAITH
Paul introduced another “law”. He called it the “law of faith”.
“Where is boasting then? It is excluded.
By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart
from the deeds of the law.”
ROMANS 3:27-28