From “How to become a Christian”: Chapter 9 – God’s dilemma and the plan He made to solve it
You will note that so far in this chapter we have looked solely at what God was doing for Israel, His chosen people. However, if you are a Gentile (non Jew) like me, then be reassured. This whole plan that God made foresaw you and me and provides a place for us. Until Jesus died and rose again God operated only through Israel. However, now even we Gentiles have access to God’s blessings and forgiveness.
Previously, unless we became Jews (which many people did), we were excluded from the benefits of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But now we can join in and participate alongside God’s chosen people the Jews. Please carefully read this passage which sets out what a difference Jesus has made for all those who believe in Him, even if we are not Jewish
11Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)—12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.
13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
Ephesians 2:11-21 (NIV)
