16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
“Why?” I remember driving my parents crazy with this question. I think all children do. Something within us wants to know the reasons for the reality that surrounds us. In these verses, Paul explains God’s ultimate purpose in his plan for Jews and Gentiles. We get to see the “why” behind our Creator’s actions.
God wants to do more than restore peace among nations; he wants to reunite people from all tribes and tongues with himself. The Greek word “reconcile” means “to bring back a former state of harmony.” Sin broke the relationship Adam and Eve enjoyed with God before they rebelled, creating enmity between God and mankind. But Jesus’ death on the cross opened the way for reconciliation.
Thanks to Christ, both Jews and Gentiles can be at peace with their Creator. He is Father to both. They no longer need to approach him as people under his condemnation, afraid of receiving the punishment their sins deserve. Jesus has removed their penalty and united them into one body, the church, which in the Bible always refers to people, not buildings or institutions.
God goes one step further in giving the Holy Spirit to all who believe in Christ. All three persons of the Trinity are involved: through Christ, both Jews and Gentiles have access to the Father by the Spirit. The word “access” implies being able to approach someone who normally would be off limits. Christ ushers believers into God’s presence, and the Holy Spirit gives them strength and wisdom beyond human ability.
God wants a father-child relationship with us. He wants us to approach him boldly and know him as our father. He wants to walk with us through life’s perils, guiding and protecting us. Through Jesus, he’s made this possible for all, both Jews and Gentiles.