For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves

Paul describes the person before they received salvation. In those past times, we were in darkness and lived by fulfilling fleshly desires and would incur the wrath of God. But God showed us mercy even when we were sinners against him. And it is solely God's prerogative and God's work that result in us being saved. We are described as God's workmanship, created to do good.

Paul reminds the Gentiles that previously they had no part of God because they were not in the lineage of God's children. However through Christ, the Gentiles are brought to God's house and belonging to His family.




Ephesians 2
By Grace Through Faith

1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Brought Near by His Blood

11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you 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. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Christ Our Peace

14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Christ Our Cornerstone

19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God

Cornelius the centurion is described as a man who feared God. This could indicate that he was a proselyte to Judaism which means he knows the God of Israel. An angel appeared to Cornelius to tell him to send for Peter who was then at Joppa. Interesting that Cornelius dispatched his servant who also knew God, to get Peter.

Meanwhile Peter had a dream at Joppa in which the Lord told Peter to get the animals and eat. Peter initially refused, because those animals should not be eaten according to Mosaic Law. But the Lord said that all of them are now clean. This would be to prepare Peter to enter the house of Cornelius, since a Jew would not enter a Gentile's house in those days. Peter was also told by the Holy Spirit that three men will be coming and he should go with them.

When Peter met Cornelius, he explained to Cornelius that it is unlawful for him to be in Cornelius' house, and acknowledged that it was God who brought them together. Then Peter start to preach about Jesus starting from His baptism by John and all the way to the resurrection that can be confirmed by many witnesses. Peter explained that it is only through Christ that can forgive sins.

The gentiles in Cornelius household who heard Peter, received the Holy Spirit. Peter's companions were surprised as the Holy Spirit manifested on the Gentiles and they began to speak in tongues and magnified God. This shows them that the gentiles also share in the privilege and salvation of God through Christ.





Acts 10
Cornelius Sends a Delegation

1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”

4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?”

So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.[a] He will tell you what you must do.” 7 And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. 8 So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Peter’s Vision

9 The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.”

14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”

15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed you must not call common.” 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again.

Summoned to Caesarea

17 Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. 18 And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.

19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”

21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius,[b] and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”

22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he invited them in and lodged them.

On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

Peter Meets Cornelius

24 And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?”

30 So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour[c] I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.[d] When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”

Preaching to Cornelius’ Household

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they[e] killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

Because, When I Called, No One Answered

God identifies Himself as King of Heaven and earth as His footstool. He describes the people who pleases Him as those who are poor and a contrite heart. Then it mentions various aspects of childbirth and labour in relation to Zion and Jerusalem. The imagery may seem abstract but perhaps it is referring to the fruits of Zion and the struggle she went through. However, the Lord will comfort her as she goes through the birth.

Then God reminds that when these things happen, His judgment will come. The Lord will come with chariot and flames of fire. After this judgment will be the establishment of a new heaven and new earth. All people will see the Glory of the Lord and come to worship. There is also mention of those being punish will still live but in fire and abhorrence to all flesh.



Isaiah 66
True Worship and False

1 Thus says the Lord:
“Heaven is My throne,
And earth is My footstool.
Where is the house that you will build Me?
And where is the place of My rest?
2 For all those things My hand has made,
And all those things exist,”
Says the Lord.
“But on this one will I look:
On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,
And who trembles at My word.
3 “He who kills a bull is as if he slays a man;
He who sacrifices a lamb, as if he breaks a dog’s neck;
He who offers a grain offering, as if he offers swine’s blood;
He who burns incense, as if he blesses an idol.
Just as they have chosen their own ways,
And their soul delights in their abominations,
4 So will I choose their delusions,
And bring their fears on them;
Because, when I called, no one answered,
When I spoke they did not hear;
But they did evil before My eyes,
And chose that in which I do not delight.”


The Lord Vindicates Zion

5 Hear the word of the Lord,
You who tremble at His word:
“Your brethren who hated you,
Who cast you out for My name’s sake, said,
‘Let the Lord be glorified,
That we may see your joy.’
But they shall be ashamed.”
6 The sound of noise from the city!
A voice from the temple!
The voice of the Lord,
Who fully repays His enemies!
7 “Before she was in labor, she gave birth;
Before her pain came,
She delivered a male child.
8 Who has heard such a thing?
Who has seen such things?
Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day?
Or shall a nation be born at once?
For as soon as Zion was in labor,
She gave birth to her children.
9 Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?” says the Lord.
“Shall I who cause delivery shut up the womb?” says your God.
10 “Rejoice with Jerusalem,
And be glad with her, all you who love her;
Rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn for her;
11 That you may feed and be satisfied
With the consolation of her bosom,
That you may drink deeply and be delighted
With the abundance of her glory.”
12 For thus says the Lord:

“Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river,
And the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream.
Then you shall feed;
On her sides shall you be carried,
And be dandled on her knees.
13 As one whom his mother comforts,
So I will comfort you;
And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.”


The Reign and Indignation of God

14 When you see this, your heart shall rejoice,
And your bones shall flourish like grass;
The hand of the Lord shall be known to His servants,
And His indignation to His enemies.
15 For behold, the Lord will come with fire
And with His chariots, like a whirlwind,
To render His anger with fury,
And His rebuke with flames of fire.
16 For by fire and by His sword
The Lord will judge all flesh;
And the slain of the Lord shall be many.
17 “Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves,
To go to the gardens
After an idol in the midst,
Eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse,
Shall be consumed together,” says the Lord.
18 “For I know their works and their thoughts. It shall be that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and see My glory. 19 I will set a sign among them; and those among them who escape I will send to the nations: to Tarshish and Pul[a] and Lud, who draw the bow, and Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands afar off who have not heard My fame nor seen My glory. And they shall declare My glory among the Gentiles. 20 Then they shall bring all your brethren for an offering to the Lord out of all nations, on horses and in chariots and in litters, on mules and on camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem,” says the Lord, “as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord. 21 And I will also take some of them for priests and Levites,” says the Lord.

22 “For as the new heavens and the new earth
Which I will make shall remain before Me,” says the Lord,
“So shall your descendants and your name remain.
23 And it shall come to pass
That from one New Moon to another,
And from one Sabbath to another,
All flesh shall come to worship before Me,” says the Lord.
24 “And they shall go forth and look
Upon the corpses of the men
Who have transgressed against Me.
For their worm does not die,
And their fire is not quenched.
They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”

He Brought Out His People With Joy

From the Creation in the last psalm, this psalm reminds us of the more personal God who relates to His people. It starts with a call to give thanks to God, sing to Him, glorify Him and remember His works. Then it starts reminding us that God formed a covenant relationship directly with man, through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

It tells the account from Jacob to the injustice done to Joseph, but who finally rose to become a powerful man in Egypt - all part of God's plan. Following this the children of Jacob were oppressed in Egypt, but God miraculously brought them out through Moses and Aaron, and provided for them through their journey in the desert.

The last few verses provide an excellent summary that God was glad and it filled Him with joy to bring His people out of Egypt. And God fulfilled His promise to give them the land of the Gentiles. He also expected them to observe and keep His statutes and law


Psalm 105
The Eternal Faithfulness of the LORD

 1 Oh, give thanks to the LORD!
         Call upon His name;
         Make known His deeds among the peoples!
 2 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him;
         Talk of all His wondrous works!
 3 Glory in His holy name;
         Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!
 4 Seek the LORD and His strength;
         Seek His face evermore!
 5 Remember His marvelous works which He has done,
         His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,
 6 O seed of Abraham His servant,
         You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!
       
 7 He is the LORD our God;
         His judgments are in all the earth.
 8 He remembers His covenant forever,
         The word which He commanded, for a thousand generations,
 9 The covenant which He made with Abraham,
         And His oath to Isaac,
 10 And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute,
         To Israel as an everlasting covenant,
 11 Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan
         As the allotment of your inheritance,”
 12 When they were few in number,
         Indeed very few, and strangers in it.
       
 13 When they went from one nation to another,
         From one kingdom to another people,
 14 He permitted no one to do them wrong;
         Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes,
 15 Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones,
         And do My prophets no harm.”
       
 16 Moreover He called for a famine in the land;
         He destroyed all the provision of bread.
 17 He sent a man before them—
         Joseph—who was sold as a slave.
 18 They hurt his feet with fetters,
         He was laid in irons.
 19 Until the time that his word came to pass,
         The word of the LORD tested him.
 20 The king sent and released him,
         The ruler of the people let him go free.
 21 He made him lord of his house,
         And ruler of all his possessions,
 22 To bind his princes at his pleasure,
         And teach his elders wisdom.
       
 23 Israel also came into Egypt,
         And Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham.
 24 He increased His people greatly,
         And made them stronger than their enemies.
 25 He turned their heart to hate His people,
         To deal craftily with His servants.
       
 26 He sent Moses His servant,
         And Aaron whom He had chosen.
 27 They performed His signs among them,
         And wonders in the land of Ham.
 28 He sent darkness, and made it dark;
         And they did not rebel against His word.
 29 He turned their waters into blood,
         And killed their fish.
 30 Their land abounded with frogs,
         Even in the chambers of their kings.
 31 He spoke, and there came swarms of flies,
         And lice in all their territory.
 32 He gave them hail for rain,
         And flaming fire in their land.
 33 He struck their vines also, and their fig trees,
         And splintered the trees of their territory.
 34 He spoke, and locusts came,
         Young locusts without number,
 35 And ate up all the vegetation in their land,
         And devoured the fruit of their ground.
 36 He also destroyed all the firstborn in their land,
         The first of all their strength.
       
 37 He also brought them out with silver and gold,
         And there was none feeble among His tribes.
 38 Egypt was glad when they departed,
         For the fear of them had fallen upon them.
 39 He spread a cloud for a covering,
         And fire to give light in the night.
 40 The people asked, and He brought quail,
         And satisfied them with the bread of heaven.
 41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out;
         It ran in the dry places like a river.
       
 42 For He remembered His holy promise,
         And Abraham His servant.
 43 He brought out His people with joy,
         His chosen ones with gladness.
 44 He gave them the lands of the Gentiles,
         And they inherited the labor of the nations,
 45 That they might observe His statutes
         And keep His laws.
       
         Praise the LORD!