Ephesians 2 - Inheritance

We have been studying the book of Ephesians in our mid-week Bible study.  A few weeks ago, we covered the second chapter. This section is so special to me because, as a Gentile (just like everyone who was not born into a Jewish family), it confirms my inheritance in Christ's salvation. Reading the Bible has never been so exciting for me!  The Spirit showed me what the chapter said in a new way while I was studying, so I’d like to share those notes from Ephesians 2 with you.

BEFORE CHRIST, ALL OF US

• Were dead in sin
• Followed the ways of the world
• Followed the ruler of the kingdom of the air (Satan)
• The same spirit disobedient people follow now
• Gratified the craving of sinful nature
• Following desires and thoughts
• Objects of wrath (strong, stern, fierce anger; deeply resentful indignation; vengeance); terrorists

But because of Christ’s LOVE

God, who is merciful,

• Made us alive
• Gracefully saved us
• Made us equal heirs with Christ

SO that He may show HIS incomparably rich grace and kindness

He SAVED US

• Through faith
• Nothing we did, no works
• HIS GIFT TO US
• No boasting

HE CREATED US FOR HIS OWN GOOD WORK

We USED to be

• Separate from Christ
• Excluded from citizenship
• Foreigners to the promise/covenant
• WITHOUT HOPE
• WITHOUT GOD

BUT NOW!

CHRIST JESUS BROUGHT US CLOSE BY HIS BLOOD!

(Side note: Gentiles worshiped foreign gods. Jews were against them coming to salvation. The Jews were afraid of the Gentiles and persecuted them before and after they were saved, nothing has changed but now it is the Gentile - believer persecuting Muslims)

CHRIST IS OUR PEACE!

HE (CHRIST)

• Made Jews and Gentiles one
• Destroyed Division
• Destroyed Hostility

BY

• Abolishing earthly law

TO

• Create one man out of two (peace)
• Reconcile all to God
• Put to death hostility

THROUGH HIM

• Both (Jew and Gentile) have access to the Father by the Spirit

BECAUSE OF ALL THIS

GENTILES ARE

• NO LONGER foreigners; aliens
• FELLOW CITIZENS
• MEMBERS OF God’s household

This household is built on

• Foundation – Apostles and Prophets
• Chief Cornerstone – Jesus

In Christ we all join together and become a holy temple to the Lord where God lives by His Spirit!

"Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in His salvation.

 My whole being will exclaim "Who is like you, O Lord?"" 

Psalm 35:9 -10a