Matthew Henry Commentary Ephesians 2:11-13

"Wherefore remember, that once ye, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called Circumcision, in the flesh, made by hands; that ye were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ." — Ephesians 2:11-13 (ASV)

Christ and His covenant are the foundation of all the Christian's hopes. A sad and terrible description is here; but who is able to remove himself from it? If only this were not a true description of many baptized in the name of Christ.

Who can, without trembling, reflect upon the misery of a person separated forever from the people of God, cut off from the body of Christ, fallen from the covenant of promise, having no hope, no Savior, and without any God but a God of vengeance, to all eternity? To have no part in Christ! What true Christian can hear this without horror?

Salvation is far from the wicked; but God is a help near at hand to His people; and this is through the sufferings and death of Christ.