Ephesians 2

V 1–3: SIN Now alive in Christ, the Ephesian Christians were formerly spiritually dead, led by Satan, and following their sinful lusts. Like others, their sins would have resulted in God’s wrath, but for His salvation. V 4–10: SAVED God, rich in mercy and great in love, has saved them by His grace through Christ. They have been raised spiritually and have heavenly standing in Christ. They have not worked to earn their salvation, but they are saved to work for Him. V 11–13: STANDING Before this, they had no standing before God. They were not God’s Old Testament people, Israel, who had special covenants with God. However, now in Christ they, as uncircumcised Gentiles, are brought near to God through Christ’s blood, which was shed for sinners. V 14–18: SAME As both Jews and Gentiles are only made right with God through the reconciling death of Christ upon the cross, those who trust Christ are now one through Him. They have the same access through the Spirit to the Father. Jews and Gentiles come the same way to God. They are now reconciled to each other as well as to God because the wall between them has been broken down. V 19–22: SPIRIT As fellow citizens with saved Jews, based on Jesus Christ the chief cornerstone, the Ephesians know the dwelling of God the Holy Spirit in their lives, just as converted Jews do. Together, founded on the apostles and the prophets, they are built up by God into a spiritual temple, and indwelt by Him.