Made Nigh by the Blood

Jews thought of themselves as Jehovah's Witnesses. They made great efforts to proselyte Gentiles who were "without God" (Ephesians 2:12). If a Gentile would submit to circumcision, the rites and rules of the Jews, they were "made nigh" or near to God. Jesus taught their actions produced a "twofold more child of hell" (Matthew 23:15). Paul preached Gentiles, as Jews, have been "made nigh" by the blood of Jesus Christ.