Brought Near by the Blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:11-13)

 Brought Near by the Blood of Christ

Scripture

“Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands— remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:11-13)

Having No Hope

To have no hope is to have no faith. But you say, “I have faith.” You certainly have put your trust in something. But will that trust save you? Paul is talking about Christ’s atoning sacrifice. Christ’s died to save sinners. “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Therefore, without faith in Christ, you have no hope.

A Picture of Christ

God told the Jews to take a young lamb into their house on the tenth of the first month of the year. They were to care for it and ensure it was not blemished. This lamb was to be one year old, just a cute little animal, like a pet. Then, after four days, they were to slaughter it. Of course, this lamb was to represent Christ and His sacrifice.

His Precious Blood

Can you imagine living with that little lamb for four days? Surely it became precious to the family. That was the point. It demonstrated the value of Christ sacrifice. If you are saved, meditate on that precious blood. Without it, there is no hope. But thank Jesus you have been brought near to God because His blood was shed on a cruel Roman cross. How precious is the Lamb of God to you?

Where  Is Your Hope

In what is your hope? Is it in your good works? Is it in thinking you will have time to repent later? Is it thinking that you will beg for mercy after you die? Do not think that way. Repent and be saved.

“As it is written, ‘THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;” (Romans 3:10) “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) “For WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’” (Romans 10:13) “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2) “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies," declares the Lord GOD. Therefore, repent and live.” (Ezekiel 18:32)