How can we apply Ephesians 2:16 to promote unity in our church? Our Cornerstone Verse “and to reconcile both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility.” (Ephesians 2:16) Recognizing the Source of Unity • Unity is not created by human effort; it is accomplished “through the cross.” • Christ’s sacrifice “extinguished” hostility—past tense—making peace an already-secured reality (cf. Colossians 1:20). • Because reconciliation is “in one body,” no believer stands outside the bond Christ has forged (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). Seeing Ourselves in the Same Family • Every believer shares the same Savior, Spirit, and future (Ephesians 4:4-6). • Earthly labels—ethnic, cultural, generational, socioeconomic—lose their power to divide when we embrace our new identity (Galatians 3:28). • Hostility cannot coexist with a cross-centered mindset; remembering the price Jesus paid reshapes attitudes (1 Peter 1:18-19). Practical Steps Toward Unity in the Local Church 1. Regularly revisit the gospel together – Include clear references to the cross in sermons, small groups, and conversations. 2. Celebrate diverse testimonies – Invite members from different backgrounds to share salvation stories, highlighting Christ’s unifying work. 3. Serve side by side – Mix ages and cultures on ministry teams; shared mission dissolves barriers (Philippians 1:27). 4. Speak grace-filled words – Replace criticism with edifying speech (Ephesians 4:29); hostility dies when encouragement lives. 5. Practice proactive reconciliation – Address offenses quickly (Matthew 5:23-24). The cross broke down walls; let no grudge rebuild them. 6. Pray for undivided hearts – Corporate prayer aligns affections and magnifies dependence on God for unity (Acts 1:14). 7. Model sacrificial love – Leaders set the tone by yielding preferences for others’ good (Romans 15:1-3). Guarding Against Division • Reject partiality (James 2:1-9). Favoritism re-erects the barriers Christ demolished. • Watch motives—self-promotion erodes fellowship (Philippians 2:3-4). • Identify and silence gossip quickly (Proverbs 26:20). • Anchor teaching to Scripture alone; false doctrine fractures unity (Titus 1:9-11). Celebrating Our One New Humanity • Meet together intentionally across lines that once separated. • Sing songs that proclaim the cross and our shared identity. • Share communion frequently; the Lord’s Table proclaims “one body” (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). • Test every ministry plan by this question: Does it display the reconciliation Jesus purchased? Living the Reality Because Christ “put to death” hostility, unity is not a goal to invent but a gift to steward. By keeping the cross central, treating one another as family, and walking in daily obedience, the church visibly displays the reconciliation God has already accomplished through His Son. |
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