Visual Theology – Ephesians ?

This chart shows the structure. What follows explains each part.

Ephesians 2:11-18
Wherefore remember that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called 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: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

From Alienation to Access: The Dispensational Progression in Ephesians 2:11-18

Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 2:11-18 reveals a dispensational progression from alienation to reconciliation and direct access to God through Christ. Gentiles were once “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). Israel, though “near” with the covenants and law, was still separated from God by ordinances and the temple veil.

The Twofold Alienation

Both groups were alienated, but differently. Gentiles had no share in the promises, while the Jews, though privileged, lacked direct access to God. The law of commandments contained in ordinances created a “middle wall of partition” (Ephesians 2:14), producing enmity between Jew and Gentile, and between man and God.

The Creative Work of Christ

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace” (Ephesians 2:13-15). Christ’s work was a creative act, making both Jew and Gentile into “one new man” in Christ. This new creation is defined not by ethnicity or law, but by being “in Christ,” a phrase unique to this dispensation for those baptized into His death and resurrection (Colossians 3:11).

Reconciliation and Access

Christ reconciled “both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby” (Ephesians 2:16). His death tore down every barrier—between Jew and Gentile, and between man and God. The veil was rent and the ordinances abolished. Now, both Jew and Gentile “have access by one Spirit unto the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). This access is secured not by works, law-keeping, or repentance, but by faith in the blood of Christ. We have been “made nigh by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13) based on His finished work.

A Fixed Positional Reality

This peace and access is positional—a fixed fact established by God’s creative act in Christ’s death and resurrection (Ephesians 1:19-20). It is based on being accepted in the beloved (Ephesians 1:6), not on our feelings or behavior. God has already brought us near in Christ.

Summary

The movement from alienation to access is a radical new creation. Christ has slain the enmity, abolished the ordinances, and made peace, creating one new man and granting direct access to the Father by one Spirit. This is enjoyed by faith in the blood of Christ alone.