Eph 2:11-17..Need help in deciphering.

[Candice]

Eph 2:11-17 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)- remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

Does the above passage meant that those who lived before Christ and non-israelites are all condemned to hell? I feel very disturbed by this message.
Any experts out here to give advice?

Many thanks

[Saved by Grace_06]

I'm far from an expert, but here's what I know. First, to understand any scripture, context is key. Eph 2 is speaking about God's great love for us, that while we were yet dead in sins and lost, God made us alive together with Christ and saved us by grace (Eph 2:1-9). In verse 12, Paul continues with what he was saying in the prior verses and reiterates himself with "you were without hope in the world." He says this because of our lostness and being separated from God because of our wicked works (verses 1-3). The text isn't teaching that before Christ all Non-Israelites were condemned to hell, but that God has mercy, even upon the Gentiles. While, for the most part, most of the OT's history dealt with salvation of Jews, some Gentiles were saved by grace alone, just like they were saved by grace alone in Eph 2. The underlining theme in Eph 1 and 2 is God's electing of sinners to salvation because of his love.

[Candice]

I'm far from an expert, but here's what I know. First, to understand any scripture, context is key. Eph 2 is speaking about God's great love for us, that while we were yet dead in sins and lost, God made us alive together with Christ and saved us by grace (Eph 2:1-9). In verse 12, Paul continues with what he was saying in the prior verses and reiterates himself with "you were without hope in the world." He says this because of our lostness and being separated from God because of our wicked works (verses 1-3). The text isn't teaching that before Christ all Non-Israelites were condemned to hell, but that God has mercy, even upon the Gentiles. While, for the most part, most of the OT's history dealt with salvation of Jews, some Gentiles were saved by grace alone, just like they were saved by grace alone in Eph 2. The underlining theme in Eph 1 and 2 is God's electing of sinners to salvation because of his love.

Thank you :yay:yay:wave