Having explored the clarity of the new covenant, Paul prays that his fellow believers would be enabled to live well out of their enlightenment in Christ.
We need to be given a new heart in order to enter into an intimate relationship with God. He is holy, and we cannot earn righteousness—but He is merciful.
Sin separates, but grace brings things together. If we have been saved by the blood of Christ, then we are part of His Body in all its unity and diversity.
God warned the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience. But the tangible idols of this world drew their hearts away from Him, just as they do ours.