Abolished the enmity

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. – Ephesians 2.15-18

Before Christ man was in a desperate shape. Not only were the Jews and Gentiles at enmity with each other, but all men were at enmity with God. Man was at war with God.

Sadly we couldn’t go to the bargaining table and try to work out a peace settlement. We have nothing to offer the peace talks. We have no hope and can only come to the table willing to surrender to God.

What we need to realise though is our situation we have a God who wants to love us and to draw us close to Him and draw us into to Him.

Our sin separates us from God. Sin makes it impossible for us to walk with Him in this life our the next. Only God can end the enmity between Himself and a sinful world. He sent His sent to make that peace. All we can do is to accept that peace offer and become His friends instead of His enemies.

In one act God struck down the barriers between us and Him. The enmity was caused by sin and man could not solve it. God Himself became ‘God with us’ when He took on human flesh. He went to the cross and paid for our sin with His life. There is no enmity for those who will accept that gift that allows us to draw nigh to God.