Building a House with No Walls: Finding Unity in Christ
In Belfast, Ireland, a 40-foot high wall stretches for 20 miles, dividing the city between Irish Catholics and British Protestants. This physical barrier represents the deep religious divisions that have separated people for generations. Yet this wall reminds us of something profound about Christ’s mission: He came to tear down walls and make peace.
When Ronald Reagan stood before the Berlin Wall in 1987, he famously said, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” In a much more significant way, the Bible tells us that’s exactly what Jesus did for humanity. He tore down the walls that separated us from God and from each other.
Why Did Jesus Really Die on the Cross?
Many Christians would say Jesus died to pay for our sins. That’s absolutely true, but there’s more. Paul adds that Jesus also died to break down the walls that separated us, so that we could become a corporate entity standing in relationship with God.
In Christ, we are:
- At peace where once we were at odds
- Near where once we were far
- Being built together into God’s dwelling place
Jesus didn’t die just so you could have a personal relationship with God. He died so that we collectively would be built together into the body of Christ—the temple of God. The church isn’t merely a location; it’s an identity and a family.
What Does It Mean to Be Far from God?
In Ephesians 2:11-13, Paul addresses the Gentiles, reminding them of their former condition. This description applies to anyone who has been separated from God:
“Remember that previously you, the Gentiles in the flesh… were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the people of Israel, strangers to the covenant of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.”
Paul identifies five characteristics of being distant from God:
- Separated from Christ
- Excluded from God’s people
- Strangers to God’s promises
- Having no hope
- Without God in the world
This is a devastating picture—being Christless, separated, divided, hopeless, and godless. But then comes the beautiful contrast: “But now in Christ, you who were previously far away have been brought near.”
What Does It Mean to Be Near to God?
Nearness is about proximity and presence. Throughout Scripture, we see the significance of being near to God:
- At Mount Sinai, the Israelites feared being too near to God’s presence
- With the Ark of the Covenant, people were commanded to keep their distance
- When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, he invited them to “come near”
Like Grover from Sesame Street would explain: “This is near” (up close) and “This is far” (at a distance). In Christ, we who were far have been brought near.
Three Things God is Doing in Christ
1. In Christ, We Have Proximity
God brings us into His presence. Through Christ, we can “come boldly before the throne of grace” because He has brought us near.
2. In Christ, We Have Unity
“For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, broke down the barrier of the dividing wall…” (Ephesians 2:14)
Christ is our peace. He reconciles us and breaks down barriers. The word “dividing” comes from the Greek “phragmos,” from which we get “fragmented.” We were fragmented, but in Christ we are brought together.
Paul uses the metaphor of the Temple Mount to illustrate this unity. In the Jerusalem temple, a small wall (about five feet tall) separated the Court of the Gentiles from the inner temple areas. Signs warned that any foreigner crossing this barrier would be put to death. This physical wall represented the spiritual and social division between Jews and Gentiles.
The hostility between these groups was intense:
- It took nearly 10 years after Christ’s resurrection before the Gospel reached Gentiles
- Jews believed God created Gentiles to “stoke the flames of hell”
- Jewish families would hold funerals for members who married Gentiles
Yet Christ “reconciled them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility.” He crucified the hostility between Jews and Gentiles and broke down the dividing wall.
3. In Christ, We Have Community
“So you are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are fellow citizens with the saints. You’re God’s household…” (Ephesians 2:19)
Not only do we have access to God’s presence and unity with others, but we are now part of God’s family. We have:
- A new identity
- A new family
- A new foundation
- A new fellowship
- A new purpose
We are being “fit together” like puzzle pieces forming a bigger picture, “growing into a holy temple in the Lord.” We are becoming the dwelling place of God.
The Key to Everything is Found in Christ
Paul emphasizes three roles of Christ:
- Christ is our provision (v.13)
- Christ is our peace (v.18)
- Christ is our cornerstone (v.20)
He is the foundation of everything God is doing. If we want to be part of what God is doing, it happens only in Christ.
Life Application
Two important questions to consider:
- Is there a wall that still exists between you and God? Sin creates barriers between us and God. If there’s distance in your relationship with Him, remember God hasn’t moved—you’ve drifted. Jesus paid the price for you to come near. Now is the time to restore that relationship, perhaps for the very first time.
- Is there a wall that exists between you and someone else? God is bringing peace not only between us and Himself but also between believers. There should be no barriers or divisions within the family of faith. In Christ, what was formerly separated has been brought together.
This week, identify any walls in your life—whether between you and God or between you and others. Ask yourself:
- What steps can I take to tear down these walls?
- How can I actively pursue peace and unity with those around me?
- In what ways am I allowing myself to be “built together” with other believers?
Remember, God is building a house with no walls. That’s what He’s doing in you, in Christ.
