These verses help me see what being excluded from God and His people looks like: separation, without hope, without God, left in the world. On the other hand, the “but now” brings us such good news! You and I both, who were far away from God because of our sin, have been brought NEAR because of Christ’s own blood.
I love seeing God’s character and heart in this. Not only is He the righteous judge who also provided the sacrifice to make us innocent before Him, but He is also the loving Father drawing near to us, pursuing us, adopting us as His sons and daughters.
How amazing it is that God actually desires eternity with us. He doesn’t need us, but he wants us near to Him. Forever. Where our sin excluded us from Him, God provided everything we needed in order to be brought near again. I can’t think of anything that’s more inclusive than that! Regardless of what our earthly lives look like, He has paid the price and made a place for us by the blood of Christ. Thank you, Jesus!