Ephesians 2:13

“But now in Christ Jesus ye that once were far off are made nigh in the blood of Christ”

“In Christ Jesus”: Where all the spiritual blessings are found (Ephesians 1:3). Which was the result of faith and baptism (Galatians 3:26). “Once were far off”: “In William Hendriksen's summary they were ‘Christless, stateless, friendless, hopeless and Godless'. In Paul's single phrase they were ‘far off'” (Stott p. 96). The Gentiles are spoken of those who are far off in other passages as well (Isaiah 2:19; Acts 2:39; Acts 22:21). Coffman points out that our English word "profane", derives from the Latin "procul. fano", which is literally "far from the temple" (p. 156). “Made night in the blood of Christ”: Romans 5:10; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:20; 1 Peter 1:18. Everything else had failed to bring the Gentile "nigh". Education, philosophy, good intentions, idolatry, man-made religion (which contained some tremendous personal sacrifices, Colossians 2:20), and technology had all failed erase the barrier of sin (Isaiah 2:1). This should once and for all settle the issue. You cannot come to God apart from Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Being "in Christ Jesus" brings you into contact with the blood of Christ. Hence baptism stands between one and being made "nigh" (Galatians 3:26). Apart from baptism, one is still "without hope and God".

Only Christians are "near" to God. Apart from the blood of Christ, absolutely no one has the right or privilege to approach God. Being made "nigh" by the blood gives the Christian confidence to approach God (Hebrews 10:19).