But now in Christ Jesus you who once
were far away have been brought near.
—Ephesians 2:13
Ephesians 2 paints a bleak picture for Gentiles before Christ came. We were outsiders: “separate from Christ . . . excluded from citizenship . . . foreigners to the covenants . . . without hope and without God” (Eph 2:12).
Thank God for verses 13–19, where each of those miserable positions of verse 12 has a “but now” counterpoint—
Previously “separate from Christ,” but now “in Christ” (v. 13).
Previously “excluded from citizenship,” but now “fellow citizens with God’s people” (v. 19).
Previously “foreigners to the covenants,” but now “no longer foreigners and aliens” (v. 19).
Previously “without hope and without God,” but now at peace with God (v. 17) and having “access to the Father” (v. 18).
There was a time when we were excluded outsiders.
But now we are included insiders.
Measure what God thinks of you
by measuring what he has done for you.