But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)

Brought Near

The greatest tragedy of the human story is how sin separated God from man and the distance of that separation. Satan deceived Eve to take of the forbidden fruit, knowing it would destroy the relationship of God to His creation. The Lord did not abandon man. At the moment of the destruction of communion with humanity, God made a promise that would bring Him back to being near the creature made for His glory. God promised a Seed that would bruise the head of Satan and restore the nearness of God and man. That promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

God could not dwell with men because of sin. The Lord gave instructions to the world on how to assuage the rift between Himself and the world. Cain and Abel brought sacrifices. Abraham built altars. Jacob saw a ladder reaching from earth to heaven with the angels of God ascending and descending. Moses was given a law bearing his name that would guide the people of Israel to God. Through the Law of Moses, the Jews could seek redemption through the blood of bulls and goats and offerings. And yet, for all the sacrifices brought to God, the thousands of offerings on altars spread across the land, the world remained apart from God. Humanity, Jew and Gentile, struggled to be brought near to the Father.

The Jews were given the Law of Moses. They were unable to keep the law and broke the covenant made with the Lord at Mt. Sinai. As the Jews struggled with the Law, the Gentiles became a law to themselves. They showed the work of the law written in their hearts, but they failed also. The world stood apart from God as the Jews failed to keep the written law and the Gentiles proved no man can live as a law to themselves. Humanity was helpless to be reconciled to God. There was no hope, no promise, and no way for the human heart to find God. As a creation, the world was light-years away from having a relationship with God, and there was no answer. Then a baby was born in Bethlehem who would change the world.

Jesus Christ came into the world to redeem man and bring him back to His Father. It would not be an easy task because the world would reject the gift of God and kill His Son. Jesus showed the world His power through signs, wonders, and miracles. They did not believe Him. Jesus taught as no man taught before. The enemies of Jesus attacked Him repeatedly to discredit His teaching and failed on every attempt. No man could bring a charge against Jesus. Through envy, hatred, jealousy, and an evil heart, the Jews demanded that Pilate kill Jesus. False witnesses were the only testimony that could be brought to bear against Jesus. The Gentiles (Romans) along with the Jews sent Jesus to Golgotha to die on a cross. Both Jews and Gentiles were guilty of killing God’s Son.

The divine irony of the act of killing Jesus was that it was the divine will of God to kill His Son. Jesus knew He would die on a cross to bring His Father and man back together. It would take the death of Jesus to bring man near to God. Everyone who is far from God can be brought near by the blood of Jesus. They can be brought near to God. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, those who are willing, through faith and obedience, can have their sins washed away. All those who have been washed of their sins can stand near to God. There is no longer a chasm wide that separates man and God. The blood of Jesus brings us near. There is no greater joy than to be near God. He has allowed His Son to bring man into His presence to dwell with Him and abide with Him. Near to the heart of God. What a blessed joy.