How does Ephesians 1:7 describe the means of our redemption? The Verse in Focus Ephesians 1:7: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” Key Phrases Unpacked • “In Him” – Our standing rests in Christ alone; there is no other source of deliverance. • “we have redemption” – A present, secure possession; not a distant hope but a completed transaction. • “through His blood” – The specific, literal means God used to purchase us. • “the forgiveness of our trespasses” – Freedom from every charge and penalty of sin. • “according to the riches of His grace” – The measure of redemption is God’s boundless generosity, not our worthiness. The Blood as the Price • Old Testament sacrifices previewed this truth: “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). • Christ fulfilled those shadows: “you were redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19). • Just as Israel’s firstborn were spared by Passover blood (Exodus 12:13), believers are eternally spared by the Lamb’s blood (John 1:29). Lavished Grace • Redemption flows from grace, not merit (Romans 3:24). • God doesn’t dole out grace in measured teaspoons; He “lavished” it on us (Ephesians 1:8). • Because grace is limitless, redemption is unshakeable. Freedom through Forgiveness • Forgiveness releases us from sin’s penalty and power (Colossians 1:13-14). • Our record is wiped clean—“as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). • Christ’s declaration “It is finished” (John 19:30) means the debt is paid in full. Connecting Threads • Romans 3:25 – God presented Christ “as an atoning sacrifice, through faith in His blood.” • Revelation 5:9 – “With Your blood You purchased men for God from every tribe and tongue.” • Hebrews 10:19 – We now “enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.” Living in the Light of Redemption • Gratitude – Daily thank Him for paying the ultimate price. • Confidence – Rest in a salvation secured by Christ’s blood, not by fluctuating feelings. • Holiness – We were bought at a price; therefore glorify God with mind, body, and choices (1 Corinthians 6:20). • Witness – Share the good news that forgiveness is available “through His blood” to all who believe. |
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