Remember When You Were an Alien?

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (Eph. 2:19).

Paul, writing to Gentile believers says that they are no longer strangers and aliens. Now there are some of you out there who are Sci-Fi fanatics, and when you read this you immediately said, “Oh ho! Aliens do exist!” Now even though cosmic aliens do not exist, maybe understanding why we call those green guys aliens in the first place will aid our understanding of what Paul means here. Aliens are those outside earth, according to those with superstitions. And the term is also used often times to describe those who come into the United States from an unknown country—illegal aliens. Interestingly enough, the Greek term for aliens here is paroikos, meaning “foreigners.”

However, as a result of Christ’s reconciling work on the cross (2:14-18), this is what happens for you: “you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (v. 19, emphasis mine). Paul’s Gentile readers had been strangers and aliens in relation to God’s people: “. . at one time you Gentiles in the flesh . . . were . . . alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise” (vv. 11-12, emphasis mine). But now, their position has changed dramatically. They have a privileged place in God’s new community.

That's who we once were, but because of Christ’s work on the cross by dying for us, we sinners are transformed into a new being—which makes a new community—the church. What’s more is this: we are not even second-class in this new community, but we are now “fellow citizens with the saints.” That is, with all believers. And even more we are “members of the household of God.”

Do you see yourself that way? Do you see other members of your church that way?

Adapted from Brandon's Desk: Not a Brick Temple—Never That Simple by Brandon Bramlett