A Note from Michael Gossett
Reconciliation, Unity, and the Glory of the Gospel
Throughout human history, it seems to be haunted by walls. From the Berlin Wall to the ideological, theological, and pragmatic divides between cultures and churches, walls have long stood as a symbol of alienation, suspicion, and hostility. They separate nations, ethnicities, social classes, and even Christians.
Perhaps the most tragic walls are not the ones made of stone or steel. The most devastating walls are spiritual: the invisible, impenetrable partitions of pride, ego, prejudice, and spiritual isolation that keep sinners from the Lord and believers from one another.
The Apostle Paul writes to the Ephesian church to tell them of a cosmic demolition project. Jesus has torn down the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14). Not only has He reconciled sinners to God, but He has also reconciled former enemies to one another.
If Ephesians 2:1-10 (as we looked in last week’s article) explains how grace brings dead souls to life, then verses 11-22 show how grace brings divided people together. It is here that the vertical grace of salvation becomes the horizontal glue of Christian community. Paul’s argument unfolds in three sweeping movements:
- We were isolated from Christ and His people.
- We have been reconciled by Christ and to His people.
- We are now unified in Christ as one new people.
As we explore these truths, ask the Lord to show you where you need growth in your own life. Ask the Lord to speak to you from His Word. Be open to areas of your life where you need to move toward obedience and surrender. Because of the Gospel, we are no longer divided, but one in Him.
1. We Were Isolated: Without Christ, Without Hope, Without Belonging
“So, then, remember that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called ‘the uncircumcised’ by those called ‘the circumcised,’ which is done in the flesh by human hands. 12 At that time you were without Christ, excluded from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of promise, without hope and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:11-12).
The Apostle Paul begins where all sound theology must begin: with honest remembrance. “Remember,” he writes, but not with nostalgia, but with spiritual clarity. We must not forget who we once were if we are to rightly appreciate who we now are. This is one of the reasons why we partake in the Lord’s Supper together as a church family just as we will THIS SUNDAY. It is a time of remembrance. This is what Paul is addressing for us.
- Without Christ – They had no Messiah, no Redeemer, no hope of rescue.
- Excluded from citizenship – They were aliens to Israel’s spiritual privileges.
- Foreigners to the covenants of promise – They had no access to the Abrahamic, Mosaic, or Davidic covenants, and therefore, no divine inheritance.
- Without hope and without God – They were spiritually homeless as orphans.
Paul is not just describing theological distance but rather exposing relational exile. The spiritual exile mirrors the story of humanity itself. From Eden forward, sin has exiled us from the presence of God and the people of God. John Calvin once said, “All men are born as exiles from the kingdom of God.” The issue, however, is not just a vertical issue in our brokenness with the Lord, but also horizontal enmity between Jews and Gentiles. First-century hostility between these groups ran deep. Jews viewed Gentiles as dogs. Gentiles mocked Jewish traditions that seemed so peculiar. The temple itself had a literal wall separating Gentiles from the inner courts, inscribed with warnings of death for trespassers.
The theological lesson is clear: sin not only separates us from God but also from one another. Modern churches, fractured by class, ethnicity, politics, worship styles, clothing styles, traditions, preferences, are living proof that the problem continues to persist.
Isolation from God inevitably leads to isolation from God’s people. Alienation is always both vertical and horizontal. However, according to Paul, it does not have to end this way.
2. We Have Been Reconciled: Peace Purchased by Christ
“But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:13-14).
This is where Paul transitions from anthropology to Christology. This movement takes us from who we were to what Christ has done. The phrase, “But now in Christ Jesus” mirrors the “But God” of verse 4. Both signal divine intervention. The Gentiles, who were once “far off,” have been brought near, not by good intentions or moral efforts, but instead by the blood of Christ!
This is the doctrine of reconciliation, which is the theological pulse of the gospel. Christ’s death is not only a substitution for individuals, but also unifying corporately for all who believe. Through the shedding of Christ’s blood, the Lord has torn down the wall, made peace, and created one new nation.
F.F. Bruce explained it this way: “The unity of Jews and Gentiles in the church is not the absorption of one into the other, but the creation of a new entity.” This cannot be confused with social activism. It is a new creation. Paul is not appealing for behavioral modification but rather a new spiritual reality. The wall has been torn down.
Just as the temple veil was torn in two when Christ died, so too every barrier that separated man from God and man from man was destroyed at the cross. This has profound implications for the local church. Racial reconciliation, cultural unity, and church harmony are not optional add-ons but rather gospel imperatives. This is what it looks like to live in biblical and gospel community. This is the new reality of those who are in Christ.
“So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household.” (Ephesians 2:19)
Paul concludes with a powerful affirmation of the Church’s new identity. Those once isolated are now integrated as they are woven into God’s family with deep permanent ties. Paul gives three metaphors to help paint the picture of the unified identity.
The first is a new kingdom. “You are fellow citizens with the Saints.” We now belong to the kingdom of God. Allegiance to Christ transcends national, political, or cultural boundaries. We are not merely spiritual refugees; we are kingdom citizens.
The second is a new family. “You are members of God’s household.” This is not just a cold institutionalized concept. This is a relational concept. The church is not a club or a corporation you pay your dues to; it is a family. In Christ, we are brothers and sisters,not just metaphorically speaking, but in every way.
The third is a new temple. “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.” This is absolutely stunning. The Old Testament temple was the dwelling place of God’s presence. But now, we are that temple. The Holy Spirit no longer inhabits buildings made of stone but hearts made alive in Christ.
Paul’s image is one of sacred construction: each believer is a “living stone” (1 Peter 2:5), placed precisely where the Lord (the Builder) desires. The church is not haphazard but rather a divine design that is laid on the unshakable cornerstone of Christ.
And yet, this unity is fragile. Though our unity is a divine reality for everyone who is in Christ, it must be preserved with gospel grit and responsibility. As Paul will later write, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). But what is it that threatens the unity and mission of the church?
- Pride says, “I am better”
Pride is the foundational sin of the human heart. It was the root of Satan’s rebellion and Adam’s fall. Pride does not simply boast outwardly but also assumes inward superiority. In the church, pride can be seen in a thousand subtle ways. Pride can assume your theological knowledge makes you more spiritual. Pride will refuse coaching or correction from others. Pride will always think it has a better way of doing something. Pride will chirp at decisions made it the church. Pride will expect its preferences to be honored as the standard. Pride will view people as distractions to the mission rather than part of the mission. Pride often forgets grace. It forgets that we were once alienated, dead in our sins, and only now alive because of God’s mercy.
Pride assumes that everyone needs us. Humility recognizes our need for Christ.
- Entitlement says, “I deserve better”
Entitlement is the enemy of grace. It breeds resentment, fuels division, and poisons unity. Entitlement believes that she deserves a church that caters to all her preferences and tastes. Entitlement believes she deserves to be recognized for her service. Entitlement is a life that is often offended. “I deserve more.” Entitlement often forgets that salvation itself is unearned. As Jonathan Pokluda said, “The surest way to diagnose entitlement is to trace your complaints.” The more we complain, the more we reveal what we think we’re owed. The gospel reminds us we are owed nothing but wrath, and yet we received mercy.
The humble response is gratitude. Instead of asking, “why don’t I have more?” we say,“Why was I included at all?”
- Ego says, “This church is about me.”
Ego is the assertion of self over the supremacy of Christ. It cloaks itself in preference, control, and hypercriticism. It views the church as a platform for self-fulfillment rather than a people for God’s glory. When ego rules the heart, we begin to build silos, not sanctuaries. Ego seeks control but not contribution. Ego seeks to make demands instead of sacrifices. Ego sees themselves as the center rather than Christ. It is often the egotistical thought that believes they can do everything better and have all the answers. They are solution-based, centered on their preferences rather than people–based, centered on grace. Ego is the church landing spot for complaints, promising the complainer that they can get it fixed.
But the church is not and cannot be built on egos. It is built on the cornerstone of Christ. He alone determines structure, direction, and purpose of the church. The Spirit is the mortar that binds us, not personal charisma or clever strategies.
The humble response is submission: “Not my will, but Yours be done – both in my heart and in our church.”
The Call to Humble Unity
Paul ends this section not with a list of mandates, but with a glorious picture of God’s divine blueprint: a unified, Spirit-indwelt people where Christ is everything. The local church is not a theater of performance, nor a spiritual boutique for preferences. It is a temple that is sacred, collective, and eternal. When pride threatens to divide, we must remember grace. When entitlement whispers its lies, we must remember mercy. When ego demands a stage, we must remember the cross.
Let our humility be anchored in theology. Let our unity be built on Christ. Let our church be a temple where the world sees that grace works. Let us all pray to that end.
This Sunday at Green Acres:
This Sunday, we are inviting every dad, every family, every friend, every person to join us for a powerful time of worship, encouragement, and a message that I believe will stir in your hearts (it is already stirring in mine!).
We will continue in our study of Luke in Luke 5:17-26 in a message titled, “Faith That Breaks Through” and it is tailor-made for the men and families in our lives. You will hearthe story of bold friends, relentless love, and a Savior who does far more than we ever imagined.
Whether you’re a father, grandfather, spiritual mentor, or someone still looking for hope, you will be challenged to live a life that carries others to Jesus.
Come to worship at Tyler or Flint at 9:30am or 11:00am and Español at 11:00. We also have Connect Groups, which are essential for your growth in Christ, that meet at 8:00am, 9:30am, and 11:00am. Come and join us!
You are loved and prayed for!
Michael Gossett