Introduction: There is more to this text than space allows. In a few sentences, Paul led by the Spirit, packs a multitude of truth into this chapter.
Check it out:
1. What Jesus Christ has done “FOR” us! (Eph 2:19) – “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”
Do you know what this means? Technically speaking, the Gentiles in the early Church era were thought NOT to be as privileged as the “COVENANT” Jews. Remember the Abrahamic Covenant? However, according to this text, once they were redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ they became a part of the body of Christ receiving heir rights; i.e. their full inheritance because they achieved “CITIZENSHIP” in Christ. That meant heaven was included plus adoption, predestination, and full inclusion into the Church. Furthermore, it meant that they were free to obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit instead of the 613 Jewish laws! By the way, this included us! Now we are free, in Christ, from the “penalty of sin,” the “power of sin,” and one day the very “presence of sin”!
2. What Jesus Christ is doing “In Us”! (Eph 2:20-22) – “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.”
These verses explain that with Jesus Christ as the “chief corner stone” (holding up the whole structure), the apostles and prophets (the holy Scriptures) as the foundation, then we become the frame built into a “temple” which allows a living God to reside.
Conclusion: This clearly reveals that God had a plan for Israel and He has a plan for the Church. They are not the same. And by that this writer means that before Christ’s resurrection, ascension and outpouring of His Holy Spirit (Acts 2), the Old Testament saints (Israel) were dealt with differently than the New Testament saints (Jews & Gentiles in the Church). So now after Christ’s resurrection and outpouring, we are the temple according to Paul.
Isn’t this an interesting analogy that explains our place in God’s economy? Obviously, this helps us to interpret the Word of God accurately, both Old and New Testaments. This is a fascinating insight as to “What Jesus Christ has done FOR us” as well as “What Jesus Christ is doing IN us” – all for His glory!
Love y’all,
Pastor Randy Reese
