THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL DESTROYED THE BARRIER OF RACISM

Ephesians 2:11-22

July 23, 30, 2023, Sunday a.m. - MBC

Let us talk about racism and reconciliation because of the transforming power of the Gospel. Yes, the power of Christ transcends ethnic boundaries.

Read Luke 10:25-37 see that what the Gospel can do in spite of racism in the world. The good Samaritan takes care and helps the wounded man who came down from Jerusalem attacked by the robbers. The said man robbed by the thieves and wounded was ignored and did not get help from the Priest and Levite who both arrived but passed by the other side. It was a Samaritan who saw with compassion and take care of all the needs of that wounded man from Jerusalem. We do not find the barrier of racism between the good Samaritan and the wounded needy man from Jerusalem in the story.

May we see that we are more the same than we are different as a human race. That is the truth and we want to put that as our foundation in our study of the topic.

The Bible teaches that we are more the same than we are different:

1. God made all men from the same blood (Acts 17:26)

Acts 17:26 “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;”

2. God created all men in the same image (Genesis 1:27)

Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

3. God gave all Believers in Christ the same heaven, they shared in eternity (Revelation 5:9; Revelation 7:9)

Revelation 5:9 “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;”

Revelation 7:9 “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;”

4. God gave all Believers of the Gospel the same access to God (Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:11-12)

Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 2:11-12 "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; ¹² That at that time ye 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:"

In this verses Paul is reminding the Gentile Believers of their past and told them they have now the same hope and the same access to God with the believing Israelites.

Are we racist? How can we communicate that we really care with others? We think we are so different. Where is the hope of reconciliation? Is there any barrier between us and other human race? Between us and the lost world?

During Paul’s three-year ministry in Ephesus, he writes the Ephesians about similar challenges of the hope of reconciliation of both Jews and Gentiles being one in Christ. As Paul ministering to the people in Ephesians, the Lord was in the stage of establishing God’s church in that city of Ephesus. This body of believers in Ephesus consists both Jew and Gentile believers. Possibly there was the existing problem of racism. To solve racism, Paul taught and challenges these Jews and Gentiles to reflect on all they have in Christ and told them to live in light of these truth how can they interact, treat and deal with other human races.

Before we start our discussion of Ephesians 2, let’s take a look at the overview of Ephesians 1 for us to see the blessings brought by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1 – talks about the Glories of the Gospel.

1. God blessed us with all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ – v.3

Ephesians 1:3“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”

2. God adopted us to Himself as His son through Jesus Christ – v.5

Ephesians 1:5 “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”

3. God made us accepted in Jesus Christ – v.6

Ephesians 1:6 “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”

4. God gave us an inheritance in Jesus Christ – v.11

Ephesians 1:11 “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:”

5. God the Spirit sealed us after we heard and believed the gospel of Jesus Christ – v.13

Ephesians 1:13 “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,”

6. God enlightened the eyes of our understanding of hope and the riches of inheritance of saints in Jesus Christ – v.18

Ephesians 1:18“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”

7. God’s immeasurable greatness of power was given to the believers in Jesus Christ – v.19

Ephesians 1:19 “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,”

Ephesians 2 talks about the transforming power of the Gospel.

The Transforming power of the Gospel in general sense– v.1-10

The Transforming power of the Gospel specifically refers to the church – v.11-22.

This time We have to tackle the two things about transforming power of the Gospel in spite of racism boundaries among Gentiles and Jews in the local church.

Look again our passage in Ephesians 2.

I – Without the Gospel of Christ, human races were divided (v. 11-22)

How many times do we make judgement about another person based on a physical difference?

A. DIVISION OF PHYSICAL DISTINCTION – v.11

Ephesians 2:11 “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;”

We are talking about the division of racism that was based on the appearance of a person body which is circumcision.

1. Separation from the world was symbolized

This circumcision of the Jews is a symbol of their separation from the world.

2. Salvation of the world was shown

This physical appearance pictures that eternal salvation shines to the world. There must be a living manifestation in the lives of all believers as a living testimony in this crooked evil world.

The Apostle Paul did not undervalue, nor belittle or despise circumcision as an institution. To Paul, circumcision is the God-given sign of the covenant. It meant that circumcision pointed to the faith which Abraham had and to the righteousness which was credited to Abraham. Abraham’s circumcision pointed to the genuineness and reality of his faith. Abraham was not justified because he had been circumcised, Abraham was circumcised because he had been justified. It is not the rite that makes a person right in God’s sight. First you must be right in God’s sight (by faith) and then the rite becomes right. A good example of this today is following the water baptism. A man is not saved because he has been water baptized; he is water baptized because he has been saved. In other words, if the outward sign of the covenant which is circumcision was not matched by the inward faith and an obedience of life to the covenant, circumcision became worthless and just a work of flesh (I Corinthians 7:19; Galatians 5:6; Galatians 6:15).

I Corinthians 7:19 “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.”

Galatians 5:6 “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.”

Galatians 6:15 “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.”

However, the circumcision that really counts or mattered most in God’s sight, was the spiritual circumcision, whether there was an outward sign physically or there was not an outward sign on the physical appearance. The spiritual circumcision is a putting off of sin and an obedience to Christ (Romans 2:25-29; Philippians 3:2-3; Colossians 2:11).

Romans 2:25-29 “For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. ²⁶Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? ²⁷And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? ²⁸For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: ²⁹But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.”

Philippians 3:2-3 “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. ³For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.”

Colossians 2:11 “In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:”

The Abrahamic covenant of the Jews

Genesis 12:3 “And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.”

Isaiah 42:1,6 “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. ⁶I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;”

Isaiah 49:6 “And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.”

Instead of fulfilling the meaning of the Abrahamic covenant by being a blessing to other Gentile nations and sharing their knowledge and salvation of God to other nations, the Jews used their physical distinction to create a boundary between them and the Gentiles. The division of Jews circumcision of the flesh created barrier of separation from Gentiles.

B. DIVISION OF SPIRITUAL DEPRAVITY – v.12

Ephesians 2:12 “That at that time ye 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."

Not only we see that the Jews and the Gentiles divided on their physical appearance by the circumcision in the flesh, but also, we see here the division based on spiritual depravity. The Basic transformation for the Gentiles was not simply in the way the Jews regarded them but also in their actual spiritual condition described by Paul in verse 12.

The Jews regarded the Gentiles in their actual spiritual condition:

1. Gentiles were without Christ; they have no access to God – v.12a

Ephesians 2:12a “That at that time ye were without Christ,”

2. Gentiles were without an inheritance, and they have no promise to claim – v.12b

Ephesians 2:12b “being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise,”

a. Being aliens, which means they were separated from God by sin

b. Being excluded from or they have no right of citizenship in Israel

c. Being Strangers from the covenants of the original promise (refers to that special relationship of grace with God and hope of deliverance and future glory).

Not only they have no promise of inheritance to claim, they were strangers from the covenants of the promise but thirdly they were foreigners to the covenants of the promise (Ephesians 3:6).

Ephesians 3:6 “That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:”

Gentiles were prevented or deprived from having participation in God’s covenants of promise, that is why the Gentiles had no hope of future glory and blessing unlike Israel who did have all God’s covenants of promise.

Israel’s “covenants” include the Abrahamic (Genesis 12:1–3; Genesis 15:18–21; Genesis 17:1–8), the Palestinian (Deuteronomy 28–30), the Davidic (2 Samuel 7:16; Psalm 89:1–4), and the New (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Ezekiel 36:24–30).

All of these covenants—all pointing to “the promise” of the Messiah and of blessings through Christ—assured Israel of a national existence, a land, a King, and spiritual blessings. Gentiles who are unsaved, that is without Christ has no promise to claim of all these covenants. But all these promises of covenants given to Israel can now be equally given to all believers both Gentiles and Jews because of the power of the Gospel of Christ.

3. Gentiles were without God. They have no purpose in life, no future, no assurance of life beyond – v.12c

Ephesians 2:12c “having no hope, and without God in the world:”

The phrase “without God” in Greek “Atheoi” refers to the absence of belief in the One True God not the absence of belief in God or many gods. Without the only true God, godless.

II – With the Gospel of Christ, human races were united (v. 13-22)

A. THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL UNITES SPIRITUALLY ALL HUMAN RACE – v.13

Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

Regardless of race, all people in the world are united spiritually before God through the Gospel.

1. Made nigh by the same blood of Christ that covers all of our sins – v.13

Ephesians 2:13-22 “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

Through the same blood all sinners were brought nigh to God.

2. Made one by the same peace provided by the blood of Christ – v.14-15

Ephesians 2:14-15 “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. ⁶For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; ¹⁵Having 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;”

Through the same blood all sinners were not only brought nigh to God but also brought nigh to others no matter what race you belong because Christ is our peace. The two made one in Christ. The Jews and Gentiles are no longer two but are one in Christ because Jesus is personally the peace of each believer.

“As men and women are brought to be in him, and continue to live in him, they find peace with God, and so also a meeting-place and concord with one another, whatever may have been the divisions of race, color, class, or creed before.” [William Tyndale, New Testament Commentary]

a. Christ made one new man out of two – v.14a; v.15b

Ephesians 2:14a “who hath made both one,”

Ephesians 2:15b “make in himself of twain one new man,”

b. Christ had broken the middle wall of partition – v.14

Ephesians 2:14b “hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us”

Ephesians 2:15c “so making peace;”

History confirmation on the Wall of Separation:

The Holy Scriptures and the Jewish historian Josephus both speak of a Temple sanctuary located at the center of the Herodian complex, with a holy place and the holy of holies where Jewish sinners could come near to the presence of God, to make sacrifice for sin, and fulfill their vows and legal obligations. The history confirms the existence of an altar located just outside the holy place, and that this entire inner sanctuary was surrounded by massive walls and doors.

Outside of this inner sanctuary, within the enormous temple complex, there was the “court of the Gentiles” located where those visitors who are not Jews could enter but were forbidden to go no further. It was here in this court that an actual barrier existed separating Jews from another race who are not Jew. As Josephus the historian verified regarding the existence of this wall of separation had said: “Proceeding … toward the second court of the Temple, one found it surrounded by a stone balustrade, three cubits high and of exquisite workmanship; in this at regular intervals stood slabs giving warning, some in Greek, others in Latin characters, of the law of purification, to wit that no foreigner was permitted to enter the holy place”.

Archaeology confirmation on the Wall of Separation:

Archaeologist job is to recover and interpret the material remains of past human activities.

In addition to Josephus, Archaeology also confirms a literal wall of separation. That was in the year 1871, while there was the ongoing excavations being made on the site of the Temple Mount, Charles Clermont-Ganneau a french orientalist and archeologist who contributed to biblical studies discovered a 2000-year-old inscription on a stone pillar which serves as a reference to a wall of separation that once existed in the sacred Temple of the Jews. This 2,000 year old inscription discovery is known today as the “Balustrade Inscription” and is on display in a museum in Istanbul, a major city in Turkey. Decades later, in 1935, there was a second inscription that was found during another excavation going on in a tomb outside the Lion’s Gate in Jerusalem. This stone monument can now be viewed at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem and, and very much like the first discovery of 2000 year old inscription on a stone pillar of 1871. This stone is the same the inscription testified by historian Josephus. In his book Antiquities, Josephus reports that in Jerusalem, between the temple proper and the Court of the Gentiles, there was a stone wall on which there was an inscription in Greek and Latin: “No one of another nation to enter within the fence and enclosure round the temple. And whoever is caught will have himself to blame that his death ensues.”

This discovery provided us for better appreciating the Holy Scriptures.

Destruction of the Wall of Separation:

When Paul wrote the Ephesians letter, he is teaching that Jesus died in order to break down “the wall of hostility,” (hatred or anger). Paul was referring to the “law of commandments contained in ordinances” (Ephesians 2:15). The principle of separation was both symbolized and applied in the actual barrier that prevented Gentiles from having access to the inner sanctuary of God. If Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians in the year 60 or 61 AD, then a barrier at the Temple in Jerusalem still remained. However, just ten years after Paul wrote those words, that literal wall barrier of separation between the Jews and Gentiles was destroyed in the Roman destruction of A.D. 70 lead by Emperor Titus; there was two small inscriptions that remains in a tiny part, which now on display among the relics of ancient history.

Although, this wall of separation was broken and destroyed in history by the Romans in AD 70, it remains as once divisive inscription stand as a testament to what Paul had said concerning the breaking of any barrier between Jew and Gentile.

Example: This barrier was proven solidly strong because when Paul escorting Trophimus, an Ephesians Gentile and brought him into the temple, Paul was arrested and accused, beyond the barrier (Acts 21:29-30).

Acts 21:29-30 “(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) ³⁰And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.”

That barrier of racism was destroyed in Christ, Amen!

c. Christ abolished the law of commandments contained in ordinances – v.15

Ephesians 2:15a “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances;”

This includes the all the ordinances of ceremonies and regulation regarding the unclean and the unclean were already abolished as Christ hang upon the tree and redeem us from the curse of the law.

John Stott said: “Jesus abolished both the regulations of the ceremonial law and the condemnation of the moral law.”

3. Made the same reconciliation unto God in one body by the cross of Christ – v.16-17

Ephesians 2:16-17 “And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: ¹⁷And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.”

a. There is a transition from enemy to friend – v.16b

Ephesians 2:16 “And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

b. There is Christ preaching peace both nigh (Jews) and far (Gentiles) – v.17

Ephesians 2:17 “And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.”

4. Made the same access granted by one Spirit unto the Father through Christ – v.18

a. Not just recognition but escorted all the way to the throne – v.18b

Ephesians 2:18 “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

b. Note the granted access by the Triunity – v.18a

Ephesians 2:18 “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

Notice: Through Him (Jesus Christ) by one Spirit (Holy Spirit) unto to the Father (God)

Paul teaches that the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is able to unites all the believers unto God over racism.

Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

B. THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL UNITES PHYSICALLY ALL BELIEVERS THROUGH THE LOCAL CHURCH – v.19-22

1. All believers in Christ regardless of race have a common citizenship – v.19a

Ephesians 2:19a “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

2. All believers in Christ regardless of race have a common kinship – v.19b

Ephesians 2:19b “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

3. All believers in Christ regardless of race have a common worship – v.20-22

Ephesians 2:20-22 “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; ²¹In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: ²²In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

Talking about worship, let us learn something about the temple of God.

The glory of God which represented the presence of God with the people was in the temple of God in the Old Testament.

However, in this age, God no longer dwells in the temple that was not constructed from in animate materials but God dwells in God’s new temple which is the living believers. Therefore, the Holy Spirit indwells each individual believer (John 14:17 “the Spirit of truth…dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”; Romans 5:5 “the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”; Romans 8:9 “the Spirit of God dwell in you”; Roman 8:11 “his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”; 1 Corinthians 2:12 “we have received,…the spirit which is of God”; Galatians 3:2 “Received ye the Spirit”; Galatians 4:6 “the Spirit of his Son into your hearts”; I John 3:24 “he abideth in us, by the Spirit”; I John 4:13 “he hath given us of his Spirit.”). So, believers in Christ are temple (I Corinthians 6:19 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”).

But in the context of our passage, in Ephesians 2:21-22, the temple refers not to the individual dwelling of the Holy Spirit but to the corporate dwelling of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 3:16 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”; 2 Corinthians 6:16 “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”). The word “temple” mentioned in these verses composed of all believers whether they are Jews or Gentiles. The phrase “by His Spirit” it is literally mean “by the Spirit” it is likewise translated in Ephesians 3:5 “Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;” After Jesus ascended into heaven and the Spirit descended and revealed the mystery of Christ to the Apostles and Prophets and even now God by the Holy Spirit dwelling permanently in every believer.

Every true believer in Christ are the children of Abraham

Every true believer in Christ, whether they are Jew or Gentile can say that Abraham is their father and they are Abraham’s children – Romans 4:11

Romans 4:11 “And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:”

Unbelieving Jew have no spiritual resemblance as spiritual children of Abraham:

How about the unbeliever? Unbelieving Jews can claim physical descent, but when it comes to faith, they do not bear the family resemblance. Children should resemble their parents, and unbelievers have no spiritual resemblance to Abraham who was a believer. (Matthew 3:7-10 and John 8:33,37,38,39-44). Listen to the preaching of John the Baptist.

Listen to preaching of John the Baptist. Matthew 3:7-10 “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? ⁸Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: ⁹And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. ¹⁰And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”

John 8:33,37-38, 39-44 “They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? ³⁷I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. ³⁸I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. ³⁹They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. ⁴⁰But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. ⁴¹Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. ⁴²Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. ⁴³Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. ⁴⁴Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”

Jews are physically descendants of Abraham but spiritually they are not, unless they are believers of the Gospel of Christ.

Passages that teach that Abraham is the spiritual father of all believers: (Jews or Gentiles)

1. Abraham is the spiritual father of believers – Romans 4:11; Romans 4:16

Romans 4:11 “And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:”

Romans 4:16 “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed;

not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,”

2. Abraham spiritual seed are all believers in Christ by faith – Galatians 3:7-9, 14, 26-29.

Galatians 3:7-9, 14, 26-29 “⁷Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. ⁹So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. ¹⁴That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. ²⁶For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ²⁸There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

When Matthew converted by faith in Christ. Luke 19:9 “And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.”

3. Abraham is the father of the faithful – Luke 16:22, 24 (Luke 16:19-31)

Luke 16:22- 24 “²²And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; ²³And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. ²⁴And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”

In light of all what we just learned those who belong to Christ by faith are the seed of Abraham. Notice Abraham is the “father” that is seen in paradise (verse 24) and that place called “Abraham’s bosom” (verse 22). Abraham’s bosom is the place where the faithful go and Abraham is the father of the faithful. Those who are saved by faith, then living by faith, obeying God by faith, serving God by faith. It is tragic to know that this rich man who goes to hell never knew Abraham as his spiritual father (verse 24). This rich man is rich materially but not rich in faith (James 2:5).

James 2:5 “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”

Ending words: Paul explains in his letter that although the Gentiles were formerly excluded in the household of God, but the Gentiles now are one with the Jewish believers as “new man” (Ephesians 2:15 “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;”).

Paul used metaphorical image of the church as God’s household (Ephesians 2:19), which is made up of Jews and Gentiles—people from every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 5:9)

Church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Himself being the cornerstone. It is indwelt by God through the agency of the Holy Spirit.

Prior to the sacrifice of Christ, Jews alone could be washed and purified to enter God’s holy Temple. Today, those of all races can enter the holy place of the church, God’s Temple, by means of the blood of Jesus and the washing of regeneration (Titus 2:5). Because of the sacrifice of Christ, religious and cultural barriers were to be removed. All believers are considered one in Christ with equal access to the throne of God.

We therefore must regularly and consistently support the worldwide missions, let us pray together that God may call and set apart more laborers to surrender their lives and be sent to local and foreign missions. Truly, the power of the Gospel of Christ destroyed the barrier of racism. Amen!