How Have Gentiles Been Brought Near to God?

Direct Answer

Yes, Gentiles have been brought near to God through the blood of Christ.

Gentiles, who were once outside the covenants and without hope, are now made near to God by the finished work of the cross. This nearness is not through the Law or covenant relationship but solely through the blood of Christ.

Key Scriptures

Ephesians 2:13 — This verse directly states that Gentiles who were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

What Does the Bible Say?

In Ephesians 2, the Apostle Paul reminds the Gentile believers that they were once in a state of alienation. He describes them as being 'without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world' (Ephesians 2:12). This vividly depicts the Gentile condition prior to the gospel. However, the next verse declares a decisive change: 'But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ' (Ephesians 2:13). The basis of this new nearness is exclusively the sacrificial death of Christ. It is not by becoming part of Israel or by keeping the Law, but by the blood that was shed on the cross.

What Does Les Feldick Teach About How Gentiles Have Been Brought Near?

Les Feldick emphasizes that in the Old Testament and up to the early New Testament, God dealt primarily with the Jew only. Gentiles were considered 'uncircumcision' by the Jews and were not part of the Abrahamic family or covenant, having no hope and being without God. With the finished work of the cross, that situation changed radically. In Christ Jesus, those who were once far off—the Gentiles—have been made nigh by the blood of Christ. Les underscores that this nearness does not come through entering a covenant relationship with Israel or by coming under Judaism, but solely through the blood of Christ and the finished work of the cross. Les also highlights that after Israel rejected the Messiah, God set them aside and turned to the Gentiles, calling out a people for His name—the Church, which is the Body of Christ. This Body is predominantly Gentile and is distinct from Israel and prophecy.

What Was the Former Condition of Gentiles?

Before Christ, Gentiles were described as being 'far off'—without hope, outside the citizenship of Israel, and alienated from the covenants of promise. They were steeped in paganism and had no knowledge of the God of Abraham. The circumcised Jew would call a Gentile 'uncircumcision,' a term of derision, implying they had no part in the spiritual heritage of Israel.

How Did the Blood of Christ Change Everything?

The blood of Christ is the sole basis for the Gentile being brought near to God. It refers to the crucifixion—the finished work of the cross. This shed blood provides remission of sin and makes possible a new relationship with God. The nearness is not achieved by human effort, by the Law, or by becoming a proselyte to Judaism; it is purely a result of Christ's sacrifice.

What Is the Result of Being Brought Near?

Being in Christ Jesus means being placed into the Body of Christ, a position of fellowship and joint heirship with Christ. Gentile believers are now part of the Bride of Christ, preparing for the coming Bridegroom. This is a glorious relationship that extends into eternity, giving believers assurance of salvation and a future inheritance.

Why Is the Body of Christ Predominantly Gentile?

Because Israel rejected its Messiah and the kingdom, God set them aside temporarily and turned to the Gentiles in grace. The Church, which is the Body of Christ, is a new entity revealed through the Apostle Paul, not found in the Gospels or prophecy. It is predominantly Gentile in nature, revealing a mystery hidden from ages.

From the Teaching

Gentiles Called Uncircumcision

Les explains how the circumcised Jew would derisively call a Gentile 'uncircumcision,' highlighting the former division and Gentile alienation from the Abrahamic covenant.

Made Nigh by the Blood of Christ

Les emphasizes that Gentiles, once far off and outside God's covenant, are now made nigh by the blood of Christ, referring to the crucifixion.

Not by Covenant or Judaism

Les stresses that the nearness of Gentiles comes not by coming into a covenant relationship or under Judaism, but solely by the blood of Christ.

The Basis: Blood and Faith

Les connects the blood of Christ to the remission of sins, showing that God now deals with Gentiles on the basis of the finished work of the cross, not through the Law.

The Mysteries Paul Revealed — Secrets Hidden Since the World Began

And that is that Gentiles, as well as Jews, can be saved by believing on the finished work of the cross, enter into this glorious relationship with Christ, that makes us a joint heir with Him, not just for this life, but for all eternity. What a glorious prospect. I mean it should just make the hair on the back of our necks stand on end to think that this is what's facing us.

Gentile Inclusion After Israel's Rejection

Les explains that after Israel rejected the Messiah, God set them aside and turned to the Gentiles in grace, making them nigh by the blood of Christ.

The Church as the Body of Christ

Les describes the Church as the Body of Christ, a collection of Gentile believers called out by God, a concept revealed through Paul.

Body of Christ Not in Prophecy

Les notes that the Body of Christ is predominantly Gentile and not found in the Gospels or prophecy, revealed only through Paul.

Bible Verses

Ephesians 2:11-12: Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

This describes the former condition of Gentiles as aliens and strangers.

Ephesians 2:13: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

This is the key verse stating that the blood of Christ brings Gentiles near.

Colossians 1:20: And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

This verse reinforces the theme of reconciliation through Christ's blood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the term 'far off' mean for Gentiles?

Being 'far off' meant that Gentiles were outside the commonwealth of Israel, without the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God. They were not part of God's specific dealings with Israel.

How are Gentiles made nigh?

Gentiles are made nigh by the blood of Christ, meaning through His sacrificial death on the cross. This is the sole basis, not by keeping the law or becoming part of Israel.

Did the Law have any role in bringing Gentiles near?

No, the Law had no role. Les Feldick teaches that it is explicitly by the blood of Christ, not by works of the Law or entering a covenant relationship.

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