Bridging the Divide: How Christ Brings Unity Through the Cross

In Ephesians 2, Paul paints a powerful picture of how God’s love transforms relationships and breaks down barriers. This letter to the church in Ephesus reveals how a diverse group of people—former pagans, Jews, Romans, rich, poor, thieves—came together as one family through their shared love for Jesus Christ.

Where We All Begin: Dead in Our Sins

Paul begins by reminding us of our common starting point: “Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins” (Ephesians 2:1). This isn’t just struggling or stumbling—it’s spiritual death. We were completely separated from God, following the world’s patterns and trapped in our sinful nature.

But then come the two most hope-filled words in Scripture: “But God.” Even when we were completely dead, God, who is rich in mercy, made a way for us to be alive in Christ. Paul makes it crystal clear that salvation is not something we earn or achieve—it’s a gift received by grace.

God’s Promises Are For Everyone in Christ

In verse 11, Paul shifts focus to address one of the biggest divides of his day: Jews versus Gentiles. He reminds the Gentile believers that they were once outsiders, cut off from God’s covenant promises to Abraham. For generations, Gentiles were excluded from being part of God’s covenanted people.

Being excluded hurts. No one likes feeling unwanted or left out. But Paul delivers the good news in verse 13: “But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.”

The gospel is no longer limited to one group. God’s promises are for everyone—Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, religious and irreligious. The walls of separation have been torn down, and God’s love is now open to all who come to Him through Jesus.

Christ Brings Peace and Unity Through the Cross

Christ doesn’t just tear down walls—He brings reconciliation. Verse 14 says, “For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.”

Through the cross, Jesus made peace with God possible. He also made it possible for us to experience peace with one another. In Christ, there are no second-class citizens or stepchildren—we’ve all been adopted into God’s household as full family members.

We’re building our lives together on the foundation of the early church with Christ as the cornerstone. God desires His church to look like a loving, united family where everyone belongs—a place where people with different backgrounds and experiences can come together under one name.

A New Perspective: Near or Far Instead of In or Out

God doesn’t want us judging people based on their status, background, or appearance. Instead of asking “Are they in or out?” we should ask, “How close are they to Jesus? And how can I help bring them nearer?”

The “near or far” mindset focuses on one thing only: a person’s proximity to Christ. This changes how we relate to people. Instead of dividing, labeling, and writing people off, we start asking how we can help move that person closer to Christ.

Consider C.S. Lewis—one of the greatest Christian thinkers in history. For years, he was an outspoken atheist who mocked Christianity. But God drew him near through conversations with friends like J.R.R. Tolkien. That “reluctant convert” became one of the most influential defenders of the faith in modern history.

How Jesus Responds to Those Who Are Far

When Jesus sees people far from Him, He:

1. Searches for them: “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:10)
2. Brings them near: “Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near” (Ephesians 2:13)
3. Preaches peace: “He brought this good news of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him” (Ephesians 2:17)
4. Endures their criticism and violence: “He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word” (Isaiah 53:7)
5. Offers forgiveness: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34)
6. Takes them as they are and transforms them: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

We’re Built for a Greater Purpose

God didn’t save us just to sit still. He’s forming us into a Spirit-filled dwelling where His presence lives and His glory is revealed. Paul concludes chapter 2 by saying, “Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit” (verse 22).

The church isn’t primarily for us—it’s a dwelling place for the Lord Most High. It should be a home for anyone and everyone who places their faith in Christ—both those near to God wanting to grow closer and those far from God just beginning their journey.

Life Application

Where are you today? Are you near to Jesus or far from Him? The good news is that it doesn’t matter where you start—Jesus comes searching for those who are far away, and when He finds them, He brings them near.

He doesn’t meet you with anger or disappointment but with peace and love. He meets you right where you are today, but He won’t leave you there. He’ll heal what’s broken, forgive what seems unforgivable, and give you strength to live a new life.

Ask yourself:

• Am I allowing Christ to tear down walls in my life that separate me from others?
• Do I see people through an “in or out” lens or a “near or far” perspective?
• What step can I take this week to draw nearer to Jesus?
• Who in my life is “far” from God that I can help draw nearer through love and invitation?

If you feel far from Jesus today, know that He’s calling your name and pursuing you. Today can be the day you draw near to the One who has already said yes to you long ago.