Bible Commentaries
Ephesians 2

Verse 1

A PLACE IN THE GRAVEYARD

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins… Ephesians 2:1

This verse makes a rapid transition to our condition before we knew Christ, or to the condition we all were "BC." We were dead and there is not so much to be said about a dead person. "A corpse does not hear the conversation going on in the funeral parlor. He has no appetite for food or drink; he feels no pain; he is dead. Just so with the inner man of the unsaved person."^(F1) This condition indeed applies to the whole human race. The reformer, Calvin, in commenting upon this state says, "we are all born as dead men."^(F2) There is no part of our fleshly being that has survived the fall spoken of in Genesis. We are defiled and dead in our mind, emotions, conscience, will, etc. This is known by theologians as the doctrine of "total depravity."

We are actually surrounded in our world by millions of "living dead" (cf.1 Timothy 5:6). Outwardly these folks often seem to defy this truth, in that they are full of energy, plans, hopes, and dreams. Yet in the place where it matters most, in that inner spiritual person, they are dead and lifeless.^(F3) They cannot breathe spiritual air; they cannot feast on spiritual food; they cannot comprehend or respond to spiritual truth or spiritual blessing. Someone has described them like dead fish being carried down the river.

Verses 2-3

UNDER THE SPELL

in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. Ephesians 2:2

In our natural condition we were completely under the spell of the "wicked prince" who is called here "the ruler of the kingdom of the air." From other places in scripture we know him as the Devil or Satan. With his host of evil spirits he keeps the world in line. He keeps its people chained and following after his diabolical plan.

The people in the ancient world almost universally believed that the heavenly realms were above the earth, that they were turned over the earth in an almost bowl-like fashion. They felt there were several different levels of heaven (usually from three to seven) and that while God and angels occupied the upper levels, Satan and his angels occupied the lower level.^(F4) The lowest level was called aer in the Greek. This locale is described as a realm that is misty, obscure, cloudy and dark. This particular realm is thickly populated with the evil spirits which exercise a great control over this evil age in which we live.^(F5)

In Mark 4:4, Jesus refers to these spirits as the "fowls of the air;" evil spirits that are ever-ready to snatch the Gospel from unsuspecting hearts and minds. It is clear that this whole world remains under the control of this evil one who is called in 2 Corinthians 4:4 "The god of this age." So we can see that just as the children of God have one head in Christ, the children of the wicked also have one head in Satan.^(F6)

We see that this spirit "is now at work in those who are disobedient" (2:2). With this statement we must ask if it is possible for Satan to work at the same time in the lives of all disobedient people throughout the world. We must remember that Satan is a created being. He certainly cannot be compared to God who is omniscient and omnipresent. This fact accounts for the necessary hosts of evil spirits who must do Satan's bidding for him as they work in the lives of the unfaithful.^(F7) Later in Ephesians Paul says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12). It is by this host of spirits that Satan both controls the world and even seeks to harass the saints of God.

Paul then says: "All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath" (2:3). The Bible is replete with evidence that we were all under God's wrath and that we were all dead in our trespasses and sins (2:1 & Colossians 2:13). It is precisely at this point that the Gospel comes to us with the hope-giving word, "but."

Verses 4-6

COMING ALIVE!

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5

This whole section of Ephesians (Ephesians 2:1-10) has been viewed by many as the most expressive and beloved passage describing our salvation to be found in the whole New Testament.^(F8)

We see here that our God is rich, and one of the things he is richest in is mercy. He is called the God of mercy. We might understand mercy simply as God's great love in action. When he appeared to Moses, he declared his name before himself in these words, "The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth" (Exodus 34:6 NKJ). We see that in mercy he led his people forth out of Egypt to their habitation (Exodus 15:13). Perhaps one of the most repeated themes of praise in the whole Bible are the words, "His mercy endures forever." In Psalm 136 alone, this refrain is repeated 26 times.

Of course, the greatest act of mercy that God has ever demonstrated was to send his Son to die for our sins. In Titus 3:5, we read that "he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy…" Mercy was such an important thing to the early Christians that they often included it in their greetings. We see this in 1 Timothy 1:2, and in a lot of other places, "To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord."

Ephesians points out that we Gentiles were not a people. We were beyond hope and strangers to his covenant yet God had mercy upon us and saved us. He transferred us from the realm of death to the realm of life. Paul continues with this, "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus…" (2:6).

If we could but understand Ephesians, as we have said before, it should permanently change our lives. We would cease groping around in the earthly realm and be exalted to the heavenly realm where Christ dwells. In Colossians 3:1-2 Paul says, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

We saw in Ephesians 1:20 that Christ is seated at the right hand of God. But here we once more see clearly that we are seated there with him. Yes, just as Christ is seated with the Father on his throne, we who are "in Christ" are also seated with him! This is mind-boggling information. We saw in 1:21 how Christ is seated "far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." We remember how Jesus says in Matthew 28:18, "…All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Now we must ask, doesn't this position also apply to us? Aren't we also seated far above Satan's authority?

With all this in mind we Christians should begin to deal with life here on this earth from a "throne position." God wants us to begin ruling for Christ at this present moment. We see this in Romans 5:17, "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!"

The concept of ruling and reigning for Christ is difficult especially for those of us who live in western democracies. Nevertheless, we see this kingdom concept throughout the teachings of Jesus and we finally see it become reality in the last days.

In the Book of Revelation we are given some glimpses of a large overcoming group of saints, both Jewish and Gentile believers, who are ruling for Christ regardless of the horribly difficult situation around them. In Revelation 1:6, we begin reading the promises that make such overcoming possible. We read that Jesus Christ "…has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father…" In Revelation 3:21 Jesus says, "To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne." In Revelation 5:10 we read again, "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." Indeed the Book of Revelation virtually ends in 22:5 with these words about God's saints, "And they will reign for ever and ever."

Yes, we Christians are destined to rule with Christ. We are "in him" and with him always. "Everywhere in the New Testament, the close connection of the believer with Christ is affirmed. We are crucified with him. We die with him. We rise with him. We live with him. We reign with him. We are joint heirs with him. We share his sufferings on earth, (1 Peter 4:13), and we share his glory with him on his throne (Revelation 3:21)."^(F9) We must stop looking at ourselves as earthlings, as defeated and half-dead. Christ has removed our "grave clothes" and given us our "grace clothes."^(F10)

Verse 7

TROPHIES OF GOD'S GRACE

…in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7

Someone might ask us why God would create humankind when he was fully aware that his glorious creation would result in the awful fall of Genesis. One answer is that God had determined to give humanity a greater dignity than even creation could bestow upon it.^(F11)

Barnes, the popular commentator of the past two centuries sums it up this way, "There will be a countless host who were once polluted and lost; who were dead in sins; who were under the power of Satan, and who have been saved by the riches of Divine grace – a host now happy and pure, and free from sin, sorrow, and death – the living and eternal monuments of the grace of God."^(F12) Yes, God has determined that we the redeemed become living trophies of his great grace. These trophies will be displayed in the heavenly realms as a witness before angels, authorities and powers forever and ever.

Can we even imagine such a picture? God fully intends to "show us off" in the heavenly places because of his great grace to us! Just think, little Raggedy Ann and Andy, poor little Cinderella, will at last be exalted to the heavens, arrayed in garments of God's righteousness, showered with heavenly splendor and blessings, graced with eternal life. It is just too much for our mortal minds to comprehend!

Paul mentions here the expression "the ages to come." We ran into this expression in 1:21 and now we see it again. In the Greek language the word is aion from which we get our eon and it can mean "age, world order or eternity." As we look back in Ephesians 1:21, we realize that the New Testament sees the times as being divided clearly into two different ages. This is important for our understanding of Ephesians, Revelation and the rest of the Bible. There is the present evil age, largely under the control of Satan, and the age to come where Jesus will rule supremely. There are a number of scriptures that speak of this division (cf. Matthew 12:32; Mark 10:30; Galatians 1:4; 2 Corinthians 4:4).

Interestingly, a very similar distinction is made among the Jewish people to this day. They speak in Hebrew of "ha olam ha zeh" (the present age) and "ha olam ha ba" (the age to come). The latter is to be a period of heavenly and earthly bliss similar in many ways to the Christian concepts.

Verses 8-10

SOLA GRATIA

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Here we are told that our salvation is solely by the grace of God. The Latin words "sola gratia" (grace alone) made up some of the watchwords of the great Reformation. It is still true today that grace alone is the way of salvation. We can add nothing to it. We cannot add our works as a means of salvation, for our works are like filthy rags in God's sight (Isaiah 64:6). We cannot even lean upon our own faith or take any credit for it.

It has been customary to interpret this verse as saying that our faith is not of ourselves but is a gift of God. While this interpretation of the Greek is incorrect as often used, there is a way in which the statement is correct in a larger sense. Our whole salvation, including our faith, is a gift of God. It in no way comes as a result of our works.^{touto (τουτο) in the Greek… a demonstrative pronoun in the neuter gender. The Greek word "faith" is feminine in gender and therefore touto (τουτο) could not refer to "faith." It refers to the general idea of salvation in the immediate context. The translation reads, "and this not out from you as a source, of God (it is) the gift." That is, salvation is a gift of God. It does not find its source in man. Furthermore, this salvation is not "out of a source of works."">(F13)}

Paul then adds, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (2:10). From the Greek word poiema (workmanship) used here we get our word "poem." God seems to be saying by this that we are his masterpiece, his work of art, his beautiful poem.^(F14)

We note that God has prepared in advance the works we are to do on this earth. So it is true in a very real sense that all our works were arranged before we existed and perhaps before the world began. In light of this there is certainly no way that we can take credit for them. The good works are predestined and we ourselves are predestined. We notice that God is working in our works. In Philippians 2:13, we are told, "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." We see here that even our will to accomplish good works is not of ourselves but is from God.

Verses 11-12

GOD'S NEW CREATION IN CHRIST

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands) – Ephesians 2:11

Now Ephesians returns to the theme that has been repeatedly introduced to us. We saw it earlier in the "we" (Jews) and the "you" (Gentile) statements made by Paul. As we mentioned before there are but two people groups and only two groups in God's great plan of the ages. We all must fall into one group or the other. First, we have God's ancient covenant people, the Jews, and second, we have the Gentiles.

Here Paul gives a description of the "uncircumcised" Gentile condition, and that condition is shocking. In describing it he says, "remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world" (2:12). One writer describes this condition as "Christless, stateless, friendless, hopeless and Godless."^(F15) To this description we could also add "truthless."

In Bible times there was such a wall between God's holy people, Israel, and the Gentiles that it could scarcely be breached. God had actually commanded that his people not mingle with the Gentiles or intermarry with them lest they become defiled by the very prevalent Gentile idolatry. We know from the Bible that it was impossible for a Gentile to approach the temple sanctuary. In fact, there was a wall affixed with appropriate warnings to Gentiles. Two notices from the temple have actually been discovered, one in 1871 and another in 1935. These notices read in Greek, "No foreigner may enter within the barrier and enclosure round the temple. Anyone who is caught doing so will have himself to blame for his death."^(F16)

Jews and Gentiles were separated in many other ways. Jews could not eat common Gentile foods like pork and shellfish. In some ways this was merciful since Greek islanders often ate such foods as octopus, snails, eels, and lizards.^(F17) Jews could not travel or trade on the Sabbath. In time, many rigid ideas developed among the Jews concerning the Gentiles. Some Jews began to feel that Gentiles were merely created to fuel the fires of hell. For some, the feelings were so strong that they were not allowed to aid a Gentile woman in labor, since such an act would help bring another Gentile into the world. Should a Jewish boy marry a Gentile girl a mock funeral was usually held for the boy by his family.^(F18) Some of these feelings persist to the present. For instance, some orthodox Jewish families today still hold mock funerals for their children who convert to Christianity.

It is interesting that the language used in 2:12-19 is the normal Greek and Roman political language. The Greek (politeia) used here and translated as "commonwealth" or "citizenship" is the normal term for describing political realities. As one writer has it, "Fellowship with God is termed citizenship in the political entity of Israel."^(F19)

Verses 13-18

BUT NOW…

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

Fortunately for us Gentiles we see the glorious words – "But now…" It is only the blood of Jesus that permanently changes our lost and hopeless Gentile situation. It is only the blood of Jesus that covers our sin and places us in the safe and glorious position of being "in Christ." This position seems to be the key for our new covenant relationship and citizenship in God's kingdom.

It has been suggested that we can make sense of this passage only as we recall Paul's theology relating to covenant and promise found in Galatians 3:15-18. These verses make clear that it is the "seed" (singular) and not "seeds" (plural) of Abraham who will inherit the promises. Of course, Paul sees that the seed is Jesus Christ. Since it is only Jesus who now holds the promises, it is only as we are "in him" that we can inherit these promises. This is just "another reminder here for us that Jews and Christians are eternally connected. Christians cannot tell their story apart from the story of Israel…we cannot configure our story in such a way that elevates Christians above Jews."^(F20)

Paul goes on to exclaim, "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, …" (2:14). We must realize that peace used here is not just the cessation of hostility. It is a comprehensive term for salvation and life with God. Also, not only is the old physical barrier gone that used to stand at the temple, but the spiritual barrier is now gone in Christ. This is great news for both Jews and Christians. There is no longer a dividing wall between us. We are now one covenant people. It is a sad, sad story that almost two thousand years have now passed and neither the Jews nor the Christians seem to realize this glorious fact.

I remember as a child on the farm that we used to make a quick pasture for our cattle by stringing up an electric fence. Initially the fence didn't look too imposing to the cattle. However, when Old Jersey stuck her nose to the fence we knew she wouldn't do it twice. The cattle became so respectful of the fence that even after it was taken down they would scarcely cross the place where the fence once stood. We are still like that today in our relationships with Gentiles and Jews. We do not seem to realize that Jesus took the fence down almost two thousand years ago.

So Jesus has become our peace. What a great peace God has given us! We see this great peace reflected in Paul himself. Paul had been falsely charged with taking a Gentile into the temple area at Jerusalem. He was arrested and viciously accused by the Jews. At last he was sent as a prisoner to Rome. Now as Paul sits under house arrest in Rome he can still speak of "peace." Still from his pen can flow the glorious book of Ephesians, which reflects no bitterness as he speaks of the final unity of Jew and Gentile.

Now Paul gives us the mechanics of how God is bringing forth his new creation or his new man. He is doing it "by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace," (2:15). In regard to the law it is not unusual to hear Christians say that Christ is the end of it. However, we know from the whole counsel of scripture that this is not the case. The Bible tells us in Psalm 19:7 that "The law of the LORD is perfect." In Psalm 119 alone we have three separate verses (144, 152 & 160) telling us that the law of God is eternal and will not pass away. So what has Christ abolished in his flesh?

We know for a fact that Jesus did not abolish the moral law. One would be a fool today to rob a bank or commit murder because those Old Testament moral laws are still powerfully in force. Yet, while Jesus did not abolish the moral law as a standard of behavior he did abolish it as a way of salvation. He abolished its condemnation. It might be rightly said that Jesus did abolish the ceremonial law with all its rules and regulations. He abolished it by fulfilling all the types, patterns and shadows in himself. There is no longer a need to offer sacrifices, participate in ritual washings, etc. In the cross he fulfilled all types and shadows of the Old Testament ceremonial system.

"This then, was the achievement of Christ's cross. First, he abolished the law…as a divisive instrument separating men from God and Jews from Gentiles. Secondly he created a single new humanity…Thirdly, he reconciled this new united humanity to God."^(F21)

Paul summarizes it, "and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility" (2:16). In reality this hostility or enmity was twofold. It was an enmity between Jews and Gentiles but it was also an enmity between man and God. Now in Christ it is all put aside.

We see that "He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near" (2:17). After Jesus was resurrected the first words he spoke to his apostles were "Peace be with you." ^(F22) In one of our assemblies in Jerusalem it was customary for the members at times to "share the peace." At such times the members embraced or extended the hand of peace and blessing to those around. Interestingly that particular assembly was made up of both Jews and Gentiles and had focused on bringing the two together since the mid1800s. What a marvelous thing Christ has done!

"Early Christians called themselves a 'third race' or a 'new race.' Early Christians recognized that they were not Jews, not Gentiles, but one new man embracing all who are in Jesus."^(F23) It is almost beyond the scope of our human understanding to picture this new humanity that Christ has created. As we mentioned earlier, we see our best pictures of this new creation in the Book of Revelation. We see that he is made up of Jews and Gentiles (Revelation 7:1-9). We read that this new man is partly responsible for the fall of Satan out of his heavenly abode. In Revelation 12:11 it is said, "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." This new creation is then pictured as standing victoriously with the Lamb on Mount Zion. We observe that these are undefiled, that they follow the Lamb wherever he goes (Revelation 14:1-5).

What victory! What glory! What unity with each other and with God! This great unity is a spiritual thing. Paul says "For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit" (2:18). While the Greek word "access" (prosagwghn) used here sometimes had reference to an audience with the king, it is more closely related to the temple ideas of access to God as we see in Hebrews 6:18-20; 10:19-22.^(F24) We observe that the same Greek word used again in Ephesians 3:12.

Today "access" has gotten to be a very important thing in our computerized world. If we have proper passwords we can gain access to all sorts of places and programs on the web. If we do not have proper passwords we are soon discouraged to see "access denied" flash upon our screen. So it is in God's kingdom. Those who know Christ the Son have immediate and eternal access to God the Father. It is just that simple. As the old saying goes, "It is not what you know but who you know that counts."

Verses 19-20

GOD'S NEW HOUSE AND TEMPLE

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, … Ephesians 2:19.

Now Paul is progressing to an even deeper idea, the household of God which indeed grows to become the glorious spiritual temple of God. Still, all this is based upon the position of being "in Christ" or "in God." Moses once spoke of this in prophecy as he said in Psalm 90:1 "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." How interesting that God is in search of a dwelling with man and man is in search of a dwelling with God.

Paul goes on into the construction of this dwelling place. He says that it is, "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone" (2:20). It is clear in scripture that the Old Testament prophets were deeply involved in this building.^(F25) In 1 Peter 1:10-11, we read that the prophets of old searched intently and with great care as they examined the grace that was to be given us. Also, this new building and its cornerstone were spoken of so clearly by Isaiah who said, "…See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic" (Isaiah 28:16). We might mention that these cornerstones were often massive load-bearing stones. Some of the gigantic ashlars in the Western Wall at Jerusalem are around 200 tons in weight (181,437 kg.). Actually some found in the Holy Land have weighed upwards to 570 tons (517,095 kg.).^(F26)

A number of interpreters see Paul's words here as a reference to New Testament as well as Old Testament prophets. While we do not have many New Testament prophets mentioned by name it is undeniable that the apostles moved in a great prophetic anointing. Some of the clearest and most astounding prophetic visions in the whole Bible are those shared by Paul here in this book of Ephesians.

We see that Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone of this new spiritual building. Some have seen Christ as the "keystone" or the topmost piece that holds the rest together. Still it is noted that this does not really fit the image, and would imply that Christ has no place in the building's beginning.^(F27) It would also not fit the image of Isaiah 28:16 that we have mentioned above, where Christ, the cornerstone, is laid in Zion as a sure foundation.

Verses 21-22

BEING BUILT TOGETHER

In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. Ephesians 2:21

We should note that the Greek participle "joined together" (synarmologoumen") used here and in 4:16, denotes that the parts of the building are skillfully fitted together and not just thrown together.^(F28) It is also of note that the Gentiles who were once forbidden even to enter the temple area are now made vital parts of the temple itself.

The ideas of "we" and "you" have now become blended together since the "you" has been included in the holy temple too. Paul says, "And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit" (2:22).

We must take some time to reflect upon this glorious new temple that Christ is building. Many people ask today if the new temple (third temple) is being constructed yet in Jerusalem. Obviously it is not, and to begin construction on it in the natural sense would probably result in a Third World War with the Moslems. Yet, in another sense, we can say with all boldness and confidence that the temple of God is being built. It has actually been under construction for a long time. The only problem is that the new temple is not so visible in that it is a spiritual complex.

In 1 Corinthians 3:16, the apostle asks, "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?" In this passage and in many others like it, the Bible uses "you" in the plural and not in the singular because it is only together that we make up God's temple. Simply put, God's truth "is not apprehended by an individual in isolation but with all the saints."^(F29) We remember too that Jew and Gentile are now made one together.

Thus, the new temple is being built of people, believing people. In 1 Peter 2:4-5, we read, "As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." At long last, the words of Jesus to the Samaritan woman are being completely fulfilled. He said to her "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24).

Thus like living stones we are all being built into a spiritual temple. The problem with living stones, however, is that they wiggle around a lot and get all out of place. Sadly, a temple stone out of place becomes little more than a stumbling block. As the great spiritual temple of God is formed, certainly our brothers and sisters would appreciate it if we would find our place in that temple and lay our lives down so the building can proceed. There is another problem, and that is the matter of our fitting together. We sometimes have rough edges that keep us from joining well with one another. These need to be knocked off somehow. Fortunately, God has people in the body who are skilled at knocking off these rough edges. Thus, we really need each other, even if we do not feel this to be the case.

This assumes relationship. In Matthew 5:23-24 we read, "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." The matters of being in one accord and having unity are absolutely essential for the temple's functioning, because the new temple is made up of people. They are the stones and the walls. They make up the altar, and even the new Holy Place. They are the ministers, the Levites and the Priests (1 Peter 2:5). We read in Romans 12:1, that they even become a holy sacrifice to the Lord.

Many years ago it was my privilege to be associated with a dear old pastor, Bro. Jim Nochta. He was a special man with a loving heart and a keen gift of prophecy. I learned much from him, but in time, a breach developed between us. Finally, in my pride and self-righteousness, I broke fellowship with this dear man of God. Several years later, the Lord demanded that I go back and try to heal this breach. I did so, and what a wonderful blessing ensued. After my deep and sincere apology, God established a bond between us far greater than any bond we had before. We regularly corresponded about spiritual matters until God took this dear pastor home. I am so thankful that the Lord led me to heal this breach in the body. Surely, there are many other breaches that need healing with all of us. It is a necessity for the functioning of God's holy temple.

The new temple that God is building is holy. In 1 Corinthians 3:17, Paul says, "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for God's temple is sacred, and you together are that temple." The idea behind holiness is that of being set apart for God. Of course, un-holiness includes all spiritual and fleshly defilements. God wants a people pure in heart, pure in mind and body to make up his holy temple. Later in Ephesians 5:3-4, we will be given some very practical advice concerning this, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."

In Hebrews 10:19-25, we have one of the greatest challenges in the world. It is the challenge not only to enter and become fully part of God's temple but to actually enter the Holy of Holies where God dwells. This was unthinkable in biblical times. Only the High Priest entered this place, and he did it only on the Day of Atonement each year. For a common person to enter would have almost certainly meant death. Now we must understand that this Holy of Holies has become an intensely spiritual meeting place. It is a place that we can only enter as we are in fellowship with others, in Spirit and in truth.

Now the perfect Lamb has been slain for our sin, that is, Jesus (Yeshua), our Messiah. Now the veil has been rent, and the way is fully opened for our entering. The author of Hebrews tells us that we can now have confidence to enter through the veil by his blood (Hebrews 10:19-22). We see in scripture that access to God is made possible only by the blood of the Lamb. Our guilty consciences have now been sprinkled with the blood of Jesus just as the holy priesthood was sprinkled long ago (Leviticus 8:30; cf. 1 Peter 1:2).

We are then challenged to draw near, but it is stipulated that we must have a sincere heart (Hebrews 10:22). There are some other things necessary. We must come in full assurance of faith (v. 22). Like the priests of old, we must wash ourselves in pure water. In Temple times, the laver for washing was made of the looking-glasses of the ministering women (Exodus 38:8). This is undoubtedly a picture of the word of God. James possibly alludes to this when he says, "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like" (James 1:23-24).

Again we are reminded of our proper relationship with the body of Christ, which makes up this temple. We must spur other people to good works (Hebrews 10:24). Also, we must not give up meeting regularly with God's people (v. 25). We should take seriously the matter of encouraging each other, especially as we see the day drawing near (v. 25). Encouragement is a wonderful thing. We can all remember times when someone "made our day" by giving us a little word of encouragement. Let's find the good points in each other and compliment each other on these. Let us learn to encourage one another by using the word of God (Romans 15:4).

Truly, the temple of God is rising and is nearing completion. True sacrifices are even now being offered to God. There is already the sound of pure worship going up to his ears. Perhaps some have not yet fully become a part of this magnificent structure, but for sure, many others have. Now, we must each decide if we are going in all the way, even into the Most Holy Place. Our success in entering will depend not only on our relationship with the Lord, but on our daily relationship with the other members of his glorious body.