In what ways does Ephesians 2:15 connect to Galatians 3:28's message of unity? Ephesians 2:15—Christ Forms One New Man “by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace.” • The verse zeroes in on what Jesus accomplished at the cross: He removed the barrier of the Mosaic regulations that separated Jew and Gentile. • “One new man” points to a completely new humanity, not merely two reconciled groups but a fresh, unified identity in Christ. • The goal: “making peace”—a relational, covenantal harmony that ends hostility. Galatians 3:28—All One in Christ Jesus “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” • Paul lists the most entrenched divisions of his day—ethnic, social, and gender—and declares them powerless to define standing before God. • “All one” highlights spiritual equality while preserving God-given distinctions of role and design. Connecting the Dots—Shared Themes of Unity • Abolition of Barriers – Ephesians: Christ “abolished… the law of commandments and decrees.” – Galatians: Christ dissolves status markers that keep people apart. • Creation of a New Humanity – Ephesians: “one new man.” – Galatians: “all one in Christ Jesus.” • Foundation in the Cross – Ephesians roots unity in Christ’s flesh (His sacrificial death). – Galatians roots unity in being “baptized into Christ” (3:27), a participation in His death and resurrection. • Peace and Equality – Ephesians stresses peace between formerly hostile groups. – Galatians stresses equal inheritance (“heirs according to the promise,” 3:29). Supporting Passages That Reinforce the Link • Colossians 3:11—“Here there is no Jew or Greek, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and in all.” • 1 Corinthians 12:13—“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given one Spirit to drink.” • John 17:21—Jesus prays “that they may all be one… so that the world may believe.” What Unity Looks Like in Daily Life • Worship side-by-side without elevating cultural traditions above gospel truth. • Serve together, valuing every believer’s gift (Ephesians 4:16). • Speak graciously, remembering Christ has “put to death the hostility” (Ephesians 2:16). • Guard the gospel from additions that re-erect old walls (Galatians 2:4-5). Why This Matters • Unity is not optional; it is the unveiled purpose of Christ’s redemptive work. • A divided church contradicts the very peace Christ purchased. • Living out this unity showcases the wisdom of God “to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 3:10). Take-Home Summary Ephesians 2:15 and Galatians 3:28 proclaim the same miracle from different angles: at the cross, Jesus erased the dividing lines and created a single, Spirit-filled people who share equal access to God, equal worth in His family, and a shared mission to display His peace to the world. |
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