Ephesians 2

[All this stuff about how we used to live in the flesh]..."But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 2:4-7


"But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity." - Ephesians 2:13-16


This chapter is unbelievable.  It's worth months and years of study all on its own.  I encourage you to read and reread it and absorb it, because it is the foundation of so much of our beliefs.

Especially interesting in my opinion are the distinctions Paul draws between the blood and the body and the cross.  I would be interested in any theories on that front.

Here's a footnote from MacArthur that I thought was great.  I hope this counts as fair use, haha!
- "This (2:6) spiritual realm is where believers' blessings are (1:3), their inheritance is (1Pe. 1:4), their affections should be (Col 3:3), and where they enjoy fellowship with the Lord.  It is the realm from which all divine revelation has come and where all praise and petitions go."

I'm proud of you guys.

Powell