The Blood of Christ (9)—Brings Us Near - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:13

The Blood of Christ (9)—Brings Us Near
We see in Ephesians chapter 1 that the blood of Christ has given us redemption and forgiveness. In chapter 2 we find another blessing we receive from the blood of Christ. It has brought us near to God.

In the first ten verses of chapter 2, the apostle shows how all, whether Jew or Gentile, were dead in trespasses and sins. He then shows how we are made alive together with Christ, raised up together, and seated in the heavenly places in Him.

From verse 11, we are shown the different place of unsaved Gentiles in contrast to unsaved Jews. The Gentiles were without Christ, without hope, and without God (v. 12). But now a great change has taken place! The Gentiles who were once far off—like the prodigal son in the far country—are now brought near. How can it be?

Our verse gives us two reasons. First, it is the blood of Christ. All of our sins and trespasses that kept us out from God's holy presence have been removed. The blood of Christ is the evidence that His work is done, that He has died for them all.

Second, we find the wonderful expression, in Christ Jesus. This sets before us our blessed Savior as now the glorified Man in heaven, and our new place before God in Him. He is the accepted Man in God's presence as we see in chapter 1, and we are accepted in Him. In Christ Jesus, there is no longer any difference between Jew and Gentile; no difference between the Jew, who knew relative outward nearness in Old Testament times, and the Gentile, who were far off. All have been brought near together and given one and the same place in Christ Jesus. Amazing grace!

Kevin Quartell

So nigh, so very nigh to God, I cannot nearer be;
For in the person of His Son, I am as near as He.

Catesby Paget