2:11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—
Did you enjoy compare and contrast exercises in school? Whether in Science or English class, we are familiar with the process. Perhaps the most significant exercise we could undertake was encouraged by Paul to the church in Ephesians 2:11. If you were to compare and contrast your life before Christ with your life in Him, would you notice a measurable difference?
The Ephesians were a Gentile community who were branded with the label of circumcision. For thousands of years, God’s people were marked by a physical alteration that made then clean through the infant surgery of circumcision.
This was nullified by Christ’s death on the cross. When we read in Matthew 27:51, we learn of the immediate physical impact of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. The old covenant was abolished and a new covenant was born. The limitation and restrictions placed on the Gentile community were altered, and they were invited to freely join in communion.
As the Ephesians processed through this change in identity, the new covenant represented much more than a physical change. More importantly, their spiritual position with God changed and their eternal destiny was moved.
The Ephesians were challenged to remember what was, so they could better understand what is. The exercise of remembering is healthy for us as well. Compare your life without Christ, with the peace and purpose you now possess. Contrast the life condemned to eternal separation, with the hope of the eternal presence of God.
Even if you were regenerated as a child and don’t have vivid memories of sin and dramatic change, there is still reason to rest and recall the change of eternity and the peace in your heart. I’d challenge you to take a few minutes in prayer and in writing down what you note when you compare and contrast your life with Christ. Take it a step further and boldly share some of what you note on your personal social media.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Eph 2:11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
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