He himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Ephesians 2:14 – 18

Jesus is our peace because he destroyed the barrier of hostility between the believers in both groups, Jews and Gentiles, by “setting aside” the laws and regulations that divide them.   I note that the Bible does not say that he abolished the laws and regulations that people hold but now, in Christ, their effect is not divisive.

In any case Paul could declare with all his heart, (God’s) purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.  We cannot make peace no matter how hard we try.  The peace Paul is describing is the gift of God, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, through the work they did and do.  It is marvelous beyond words, made possible by the cross of Jesus.  That killed the hostility that exists between us.   He put to death the hostility.

What happened on that cross changed everything!! The Bible says that on the Cross Jesus put to death the hostility that divided them.  And he put it in the hearts of all believers to kill the hostility that divides all people.

Then, friend, Paul pens the mighty truth, now through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.  Can it get any better than that?  Each rushes to the Father in whom they meet one another, now a new creation on the earth!

I stand in awe.  Amen and amen.