A Much Better Covenant Through Christ

Northwest Bible Church – Aug. 2, 2026 – Ephesians – Mike Southerland

Ephesians 2:17-22

A Much Better Covenant Through Christ

Intro

1. Verses 11-16 established that Gentiles have been brought into the new covenant by the blood of Christ.

2. Verses 17-22 continue that theme by showing the peace, access, citizenship, and temple blessings believers now have in Christ.

A. CHRIST CAME AND PREACHED PEACE (Ephesians 2:17).

1. Christ Himself is the One in view in this verse.

2. He preached peace to those who were far off and to those who were near.

3. Isaiah 57:19 helps explain this promise of peace to far and near.

4. The peace announced in the gospel reaches both Jew and Gentile.

B. THROUGH CHRIST WE HAVE ACCESS TO THE FATHER (Ephesians 2:18).

1. Through Christ, both Jew and Gentile have access to the Father in one Spirit.

2. Under the old covenant, access was restricted, but Christ opened the way by His sacrifice.

3. The torn veil shows that believers may now come boldly to the Father.

C. BELIEVERS ARE NOW FELLOW CITIZENS AND OF GOD’S HOUSEHOLD (Ephesians 2:19).

1. In Christ, we are no longer strangers and aliens.

2. We are fellow citizens with the saints.

3. Even more, we belong to God’s own household as His people.

D. GOD’S HOUSEHOLD IS BUILT ON A LAID FOUNDATION WITH CHRIST AS THE CORNERSTONE (Ephesians 2:20).

1. The foundation of the apostles and prophets was laid once for all.

2. The foundation is the revealed Word of God given through those offices.

3. Christ Jesus Himself is the chief cornerstone of the whole structure.

E. THE CHURCH IS GROWING INTO GOD’S HOLY TEMPLE (Ephesians 2:21-22).

1. Believers are like living stones being fitted together in Christ.

2. The church is growing into a holy temple in the Lord.

3. God is building His people together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Conclusion

1. The new covenant is a much better covenant through Christ.

2. Through His sacrifice we have peace, access to the Father, and a place in God’s household.

3. There is no veil for those who are in Christ; the Spirit now dwells in His people.