In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near.

Ephesians 2:13

In what has quickly become one of my favorite passages of Scripture, Paul lays it out straight:
You used to be far from God; now you’re close to him.

How Did This Happen?

Paul is a learned scholar. He has spent years upon years studying the Scripture and being tutored by aged men. Perhaps the fact that he has been brought near to Christ is due to his years of studious learning.

Or maybe it’s because of the family in which he was raised. The faith of his parents and their diligence to ensure his strict training caused him to be close to God.

Then again, perhaps he has become close to God because of all he suffered in the name of Christ. Shipwrecks, beatings, carrying burdens of multiple churches, imprisonments, etc. Maybe these varied experiences have worked together to bring him close to God.

No Uncertain Terms

Paul doesn’t leave room for validating his upbringing, experiences, or accomplishments. In no uncertain terms, he tells us how he is close to God and how all believers can experience closeness with God:

In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace.

Ephesians 2:13-14

Paul did not have a close relationship with God because of his education, upbringing, or experiences. The only reason he experienced closeness with God was because Jesus made it possible by shedding his blood on the cross to pay for the sins of the world.

It’s the Same for Me & You

You can’t be brought near to God on account of your personality, gifts, or accomplishments. Your money doesn’t work here. Your resume doesn’t benefit you either. You can only experience a close relationship with God when you admit it’s not about anything you can bring to the table. It’s all about Christ and what He has done. He has brought you near by the sacrificial shedding of His blood.

When You Feel Far From God

So when you feel far from God, remind yourself of His sacrifice. Draw near to God, not by reminding Him of all the things you’ve done for him and the ways you’ve served him faithfully over the years. (That’s ridiculous, but I’ve tried that line of thinking.) Draw near to God by reminding yourself of all He has done for you and the way He’s faithfully loved you despite all your unfaithfulness over the years.

I’ve been brought near by the blood of Christ.
He started it, He’ll finish it, and He’ll take care of all the in-between times too.

I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:6