14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14–16 (ESV)
Jesus Christ has made both Jew and Gentile one in Christ. He has broken down the spiritual and physical wall of hostility between these two people groups. He also abolished the Old Testament ceremonial laws, and created in Himself one new individual in place of two separate ones.
Additionally, Jesus Christ has also reconciled both Jew and Gentile to God the Father. To reconcile (ἀποκαταλλάσσω; apokatallasso) means to make things right with one another. It also means to reunite and restore a previously broken relationship (Romans 5:8-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21).
Dr. John MacArthur writes, “As Jews and Gentiles are brought to God through Christ Jesus, they are brought together with each other. This was accomplished by the cross, where Jesus became a curse (Gal. 3:10–13), taking God’s wrath so that divine justice was satisfied and reconciliation with God became a reality. God initiates the change in the sinner’s status in that he brings him from a position of alienation to a state of forgiveness and right relationship with himself. This again is the essence of the gospel. God offers reconciliation—people from every ethnic group, without distinction. The intrinsic merit of Christ’s reconciling death is infinite and the offer is unlimited. However, actual atonement was made only for those who believe (cf. John 10:11, 15; 17:9; Acts 13:48; 20:28; Rom. 8:32–33; Eph. 5:25).”
Thank you Lord for your reconciling work on the cross, on the sinner’s behalf. Praise your holy name.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 