As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins… All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

Ephesians 2:2, 3

As for you, refers to the Gentile readers.  As for “All of us,” Jew and Gentile alike, we are no better!  It makes no difference as far as salvation is concerned whether you are Jew or Gentile.  Paul points that out quite dramatically here by insisting that he, a strict Jew, needed to be saved by Jesus. He is in the “we.”  We read, “Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.”  Paul places himself firmly among the “We.”

Let’s think about this for a moment.  Our cultures elevate us above others.  Our education and wealth do the same thing.  Our heritage is a source of pride.  That is to be human, we say.  It might be human but is not what Jesus taught.  Jesus and all the New Testament writers was clear on this point.

My world came tumbling down on me when, as a young missionary in Tanzania, I found myself stripped of all privilege by the Holy Spirit.  I fell on my face, repenting of all the pride that had built up in me. When I looked up, so to speak, I saw everyone in a different light – all of us who are before the Cross of Christ repenting are absolutely equal in the sight of God.  That vision shaped my life and thought, until today!  For that my heart sings and my spirit responds with joy and thanksgiving.