Brought Near by the Blood of Christ – Ephesians 2:11-13

Jamie Pantastico writes for Mesa Bible Study

by Jamie Pantastico

On March 17, 2025

Daily Encouragement

brough near by the blood of Christ
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Paul’s letter to the Gentile church in Ephesus is rich with doctrinal truth about our identity in Christ. Written during his imprisonment in Rome (61-63 AD), this epistle emphasizes God’s grace and the unifying work of Christ in bringing Jews and Gentiles together into one body—the Body of Christ.

 

Understanding Our Past and Present in Christ

 

Paul reminds the Ephesians (and us) of our former condition before salvation:

 

📖 Ephesians 2:11-12
“Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”

 

🔹 Separated from Christ – Before the gospel of grace, Gentiles had no access to Israel’s God and were without hope.

🔹 Aliens to the covenants – Unlike Israel, Gentiles had no covenant relationship with God, no inheritance, and no access to His promises.

🔹 Without God – Gentiles lived in spiritual darkness, completely cut off from the one true God—for nearly 2,000 years, from Abraham to Paul.

 

But then comes the incredible contrast:

 

📖 Ephesians 2:13

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ (the gospel).”

 

This verse is everything! We were far off, but now we are near! How?

 

📖 Ephesians 3:6

“That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,”

 

Three Key Truths That Stand Out in This Passage

 

1️⃣ Remember Where You Came From – Paul urges us to never forget that we were once lost, hopeless, and separated from God.

2️⃣ The Blood of Christ Changes Everything – It is only through the Cross that we are brought near to God—not by works, religion, or heritage.

3️⃣ We Are Now in Christ – As believers, we are no longer outsiders but fully accepted, reconciled, and given a new identity in Him.

 

Final Thought

 

This is our testimony—once alienated, but now part of God’s family! We were without hope, but now we have everything in Christ.

 

Are you living in the fullness of this truth today?

 

For your edification.

Thank you for reading.

 

Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

 

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Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

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Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

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When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

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What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

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What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

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What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

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Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

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Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

 

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

  1. God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
  2. The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
  3. But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-4; 2cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?

Mesa Bible Study Groups – In-Depth Bible Study in Phoenix, AZ

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