Together in Christ: 'The Same Spirit' — Ephesians 2:17-18

Friday, September 4, 2026

He is Risen!

Happy Resurrection Sunday from Heartlight and Verse of the Day!

 Read 'Resurrection!'
[Christ] brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.
— Ephesians 2:17-18 NLT

Key Thought

We are followers of Jesus, Who came as God in human flesh, the one Who is Immanuel, God with us. [1] Jesus has shown God to us [2] and demonstrated how God loves us. [3] In addition, Jesus returned to God and now pours the Holy Spirit into all of us who become His disciples. Jesus pours the same Spirit into all of us who have come to Him through conversion [4] - and Jesus, through the Spirit, brings "peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near."

This Good News and peace are not just the possession and privilege of a few or for just one race, one gender, or one segment of society. [5] The same Holy Spirit ensures we all have equal access through Him to God. [6] This means that as children of God, we accept and welcome each other as brothers and sisters in Christ who belong in God's family and are people for whom Jesus died! [7]

[1] Matthew 1:23.
[2] John 1:14-18, 14:6-7.
[3] John 3:16-17; Romans 5:6-11.
[4] John 3:3-7; Acts 2:38-39; Romans 8:9; Titus 3:3-7.
[5] Galatians 3:26-29, 4:1-4.
[6] Ephesians 2:18 NIV; Romans 8:26-27.
[7] Romans 14:15; 1 Corinthians 8:9-12.

Today's Prayer

O Father in heaven, forgive us and transform us as Your people so that we welcome, value, accept, include, and love each other as You do. We don't want the prejudices and injustices in the world to mar our love and acceptance of each other in Your family, the church. We ask that this love for all other believers begin with our personal efforts to love others as You love us. We ask that You help us make this so, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

10 Related Resources by Heartlight

Equal Access
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"[Jesus] brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father..."
No Longer Strangers
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, friend of the far and the near, I am so thankful that Christ came and preached peace to those who were far off and to those who were..."
The Night I Was Argentine
Article by Tim Archer
Sometimes, everyone gets to be a part of things My status as an Argentine was a fleeting thing. It ended when the World Cup celebration was over. But my right to be a part of God’s people will never end.
SpiritFire - More than Near
Article by Phil Ware
How close is God to us? Phil Ware shares insight in his SpiritFire series on the Holy Spirit and reminds us of the incredible promises of God's nearness and personal indwelling in us through the Holy Spirit.
See All 10 Related Resources about Ephesians 2:17-18

Illustration

Illustration of Ephesians 2:17-18 NLT — [Christ] brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, September 4, 2026

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Comforts Us so We Can Comfort Others'
"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'He Will Raise the Dead!' (Jn. 5:21)
"[Jesus continued,] "For just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants.""
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'My Body an Instrument' (1 Co. 6:14-20)
"Dear Father, powerful and holy God, This body of mine is not just temporary, meant for the decay of the grave. You have promised to redeem it, to..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 20:15
"Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Together in Christ