“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
Ephesians 2:13
Picture yourself standing at the edge of a deep canyon, separated by an immense chasm from someone dear across the divide. You long to be united, but no bridge spans the gap.
This illustrates the vast separation between God and man caused by sin. Our rebellion cut us off from intimate friendship with our Creator. Made in His image but mired in sin, we were lost, helpless, and unable to bridge the divide.
Jesus’ sacrifice provides the only bridge back to God. His blood shed on the cross reconciles alienated souls to the Father. Now we who were once far off have been brought wondrously near through Christ!
Access Granted
Under the old covenant, people could not approach God directly but needed priests as intermediaries. Sinful humanity could not survive His holy presence.
The torn curtain after Christ’s death signified free access to God for all who come through Jesus. There is no longer any barrier, boundary or buffer between forgiven sinners and their loving Father. Not even the holiest person enjoys greater access.
Through His grace, God embraces us tenderly as His precious children. Draw near to Him with awe and thanksgiving for this open-armed welcome!
Adopted into God’s Family
In Christ, we have not only been invited to draw near to God but also adopted into His family. We belong through the bond of rebirth as God’s sons and daughters.
Once unrelated and far off, now intimately connected and loved – this is the miracle Christ accomplished. Outsiders have become insiders, foreigners grafted in as God’s household.
No words can fully capture the beauty of a close relationship with the God the Father. Let us live out this adopted identity as dearly loved children.
Respond in Praise
How will you respond to being brought wondrously near to God through Christ? Offer extravagant praise for His reconciling grace. Worship the God who desired intimacy with you.
And as you bask in closeness with the Father, look around for other prodigals still far off. Become the embodiment of Christ’s love that welcomes them home.
Our Shepherd rejoices over each rescued sheep. Through His blood we have been brought near. Hallelujah!
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