Ephesians 2:13 – “But now in Christ Jesus you who used to be far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ”
The Jewish temple had a “no trespassing” sign that prevented all non-Jewish persons from going beyond a certain area. It was enforced on the punishment of death. The non-Jews could go only so far as the Court of the Gentiles, and the Jewish women could go only so far as the Court of the Women. Archaeologists found such a stone inscription in 1871 dating back to the Jewish temple. It read, “No foreigner is to enter within the banister and embankment around the sanctuary.
Whoever is caught will have himself to blame for his own death which follows.” The bottom line was, “Trespassers will be killed.” In fact, the apostle Paul almost got himself killed in the temple because of false rumors that he took a Gentile into the sacred area (Acts 21:27-31). Jesus tore down the wall. No, He did not do it with His hands. He did it with His cross. Powerful is the message of the cross.
The sin barrier between man and God was removed by the death of Christ and as a result man is reconnected to God. Jesus provided the only way that man can approach God. He effectively removed the dividing walls. It is through Christ Jesus we both (Jewish and non-Jewish) have our access in one Spirit to the Father. The result is “you are no longer foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household”. (Ephesians 2:18)
It’s a brand new day! Keep enjoying Kharis! Pastor Josh Laryea