“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household” (Ephesians 2:19).

In the culture of that day foreigners and strangers described those who lived in a place without the rights of citizenship. They were guests in someone else’s country. Even proselytes, Gentiles who had aligned themselves with the Jewish faith, were regarded as “foreigners” by the Jewish religious leaders. They were treated as those on the outside and had to remain outsiders.

Now, because of Jesus, even Gentiles are brought near to God. Pagans who believe in Jesus are given the rights as citizens of the Kingdom of God. Faith in Jesus brings all of us, no matter what are backgrounds have been, into the Christian community. God’s plan was to use Israel to bring Jesus into the world and for Jesus to bring all of us who believe in Him into His community.

Not only that, but every believer becomes part of God’s family. We have access to all the privileges that come with being a family member. In our human families there are benefits that outsiders don’t share. We have access to the resources of the family. That happens for us when we believe in Jesus. We share in God’s resources and the intimate relationship that enables us to call Him Father. Whatever else we used to be we are now God’s family.