Sabbath: Horizontal Atonement ~ The Cross and the Church
Image © Pacific Press
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: Ephesians 2:11-22; Romans 3:31; Romans 7:12; Isaiah 52:7; Isaiah 57:19; John 14:27; 1 Corinthians 3:9-17.
Memory Text: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one” (Ephesians 2:13-14, ESV).
You are a Gentile, a Greek, who has learned to treasure the God of the Jews. In fact, you have left your worship of many gods and have embraced the One true God. As you make your way through the beautiful courtyards and fluted columns of the Jerusalem temple, the sounds of worship call forth your praise. Just then, though, you find yourself confronted by a stone barricade four feet high. Engraved every few feet in Latin and Greek is this message: “No foreigner may enter within the barrier and enclosure around the temple. Anyone who is caught doing so will have himself to blame for his ensuing death.” In that moment you feel shut out, alienated, and separated.
In Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul sees the cross of Christ as making a dramatic difference, destroying such barriers and walls. Vertically, the cross dissolves alienation, reconciling humans with God. Horizontally, it reconciles people with each other. The cross removes enmity and brings peace between Jews and Gentiles, making of them “one new humanity” (Ephesians 2:15, NIV). Together, they become a new temple, “a dwelling place for God by the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:22, ESV).
What does this truth mean for us today?
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 29.
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Maurice's translation of Eph 2: 11-22. I go through this little exercise to help me understand it better.
One of the greatest attraction of the gospel message that Paul brings to the Ephesians is the power to unite peoples who were once enemies to see themselves as one. The message of the cross has got power to bring down boundaries of hostilities and make reconciliation a sweet reality. The power of the exalted Jesus has got authority to subdue the demonic forces of strife, discord and all deep-seated differences.
As Jesus was about to go to the cross, He prayed that we who are called by his name may be one as a clear testament that we belong to him.
"Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are" (John 17:11- NLT).
When we believers are united in Christ, we send strong signals to the world that Jesus was sent by God the Father and Jesus loves the church.
"I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me" (John 17:21 - NLT).
The power of the gospel message of Jesus Christ has got not power bring unity and reconciliation, but also has got power to bring peace to those who have received and accepted Him. This salvation message has got power to bring peace in our homes, in our churches, in our communities and in the community of nations. The United Nations may all efforts to bring peace in the, but the effort will be vain. The only last peace is to receive and accept the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.
"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6 - NLT).
This truth underscores the universality of Christ's sacrifice and His message of reconciliation. The cross symbolically eliminates spiritual, cultural, and racial divisions. It represents an invitation to all, irrespective of ethnic or cultural background, to become part of God's spiritual family. In today's context, it encourages us to acknowledge and respect diversity within the community of believers, emphasizing that salvation and reconciliation are open to all. In this new 'temple,' all believers serve as the dwelling place for God's Spirit, underlining the unity and interconnectedness of the Church. It further challenges us to break down walls of prejudice or exclusion in our personal lives and communities, reflecting the universal love and acceptance demonstrated by a loving Creator.
Notwithstanding, we should remind ourselves that sin (in all of us) separates us from the love of God. We are ALL God's children, and as 'siblings,' we are to be supportive and encouraging, not the opposite.
(An image can say much more than 1000 words!) Don't you want to be under this shadow? The shadow of the cross? In the Lesson's picture illustration, perhaps people would have to squeeze themselves, but if you think they can stand still throughout the day, as the earth moves, the sun and the moon could move this shadow over all. Isn't that great? Being under the shadow of the cross? So, stand still, facing the scene; some change is coming!