The Wonderful Grace of Jesus

Ephesians 1:7–12 (ESV)

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

Introduction

We are continuing our series on Ephesians, we are studying the prologue section where Paul is blessing God for his wonderful works of salvation.

Last time we learn that the overall application of this section is a call to passionate worship to God. That we learn like the Apostle, to express our “blessings to God” because he blesses us with all spiritual blessing in Christ.

Maybe you ask, why do you Christian sing? Or why do we sing to God as we gather together in worship? Aside from the fact that we are created to sing, and we are commanded in Psalms… singing is glorious expression of the truth about our God.

I like how Keith Getty, in his book Sing!: How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church says

“Singing together bears compelling witness to the truth. It says to those watching on and listening in that, just as we sing the same melody together, we share the same faith, the Faith; not a self-made creed for a solo journey toward nowhere, but commitment to our one Lord of all, who transforms the life we live together and will bring us home to eternity.” ― Keith Getty, Sing!: How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church

Your singing may not have the professional standard, but it has the confessional standard. You express the truth about your God.

What fuels our worship? Our knowledge of the truth about God and what He has done. The more we know Him, the more we grow in our worship of Him.

‘But how can I make melody in my heart?’ asks somebody. ‘I don’t feel like singing.’ My dear friend, consider him till you do!.

Singing to the Lord, 58

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones

That’s what we are going to do today, we ponder about the greatness of our God and what He has done.

Last week, we ponder about the electing work of the Father, that He has chosen us before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him… that’s the first wave that should cause us to praise.

Today we’re going to look at, and we focus now on the work of the Son.

Redemption through his blood

Revelation of his purpose

Riches of his inheritance

1) Redemption Through His Blood

Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

The problem is we don’t use that word nowadays. And because of that it has lose the impact that it should have to our hearts.

The word redemption simply means ‘deliverance from bondage or imprisonment through the payment of some price.’ It has its root and usage both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament.

To really understand redemption, you need to understand 3 elements of redemption.

First, THE NEED FOR RESCUE/DELIVERANCE

The one word for redemption in NT is “agorazo” It comes from the noun for a Greek marketplace - agora. And it means “to buy” or “to buy in a marketplace.” The typical picture here in NT is of the buying of slave. A person in their day becomes a slave through some difficult situation in life, either he could not pay a debt or he/she is a spoils in war. A slave has no right of his own. He is 100% owned and the property of his Master. Oftentimes, slaves are sold in the marketplace, they try to bid the price. In order for that slave to be rescued from that state of life, a price must be paid.

In fact in Adolf Deismann’s Light from the Ancient East and Leon Morris’s Apostolic Preaching of the Cross, they show an example of the standard formulation for the manumission of slaves in this period. It might read:

(Payer/Ransomer’s Name) pays to the Pithian Apollo the sum of ___________ minae for the slave __________________ on the condition that he/she shall be set free.

Why would Paul uses that word to describe our salvation?

[SIN IS NOT JUST SOMETHING WE DO; IT’S SOMETHING WE SERVE.] Because that’s who we are in our true human condition. We are not free. We are slaves of sin. Sin is not just a principle or a law that we’ve broken. Sin as describe by Paul is a powerful tyrant that tries to enslaves us and bring us into it’s captivity. The modern word for this “addiction”. We are addicted to sin. What does addicts need? Rescue and deliverance.

In talking to the religious Pharisee who are blinded to see their own slavery to sin because of their self-righteousness, Jesus says:

John 8:34 (ESV)

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.

Every time you sin, you become “slaves” of sin, sin becomes now your Master and Lord.

If you read the story of Israel in the book of Exodus and how they were brutally abused, exploited and manipulated by Egypt as slaves - that’s what sin does to us.

So every human being in this world serve sin and is slaves of sin. Consequently because we serve sin, we deserve it’s wages. That’s why Paul says - the salary, the inevitable consequences of a lifetime of servitude to sin is DEATH.

Romans 6:23 (ESV)

For the wages of sin is death, ...

Sin always brings death temporarily and eternally. Your sin will bring death in your marriage, finances, relationships, workplace, community, government, nations etc. Wherever there is sin, there’s death. Do you have deadness in your marriage? What are the sins you need to deal with and repent of? (That’s why we need to humble ourselves to God personally and corporately)

People are often quick in blaming God when there’s tragedy and suffering in the world. They are not quick to blame their own sin.

So we need rescue outside of us, because we are enslaved by sins’ power and captivity. Because of that we are worthy of the just punishment of God which is death. We need Someone to rescue us not just from the punishment of sin but from it’s power and tyranny in our lives.

Transition: That’s why Paul says “in Him” we have redemption through his blood.

This is the second element, THE RANSOM.

The “blood” here is simply a metaphor for Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross.

The blood is not a magic formula or chant to ward off ‘spirit’s and demonic activities. That is a form of superstitious belief.

We are not called to use it as a formula, rather we are called to totally depend on Christ’s finished work on the cross as SUFFICIENT AND ENOUGH COVERING OR ATONING SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS.

1 Peter 1:18–19 (ESV)

knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Lastly, there is THE RELEASE.

The other word for redemption is “lutroo”. It means “to loose or set free” Jesus not only bought you and rescue you from the marketplace of sin but he wants to set your life free no longer serving sin in your life.

Jesus set you free so that you can freely serve him. Sometimes we think of freedom as doing what I want no freedom is doing what God wants. When we serve sin, it brings deadness in our life. When we serve Christ as ransomed believer, it bears fruit to eternal life. That’s true freedom.

Romans 6:18 (ESV)

and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.

Not only we are released from sin’s tyranny and slavery to serve Christ, we are also released from sin’s guilt and condemnation. Paul says:

Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

It means the just punishment for our sin that we deserve has been completely paid by Jesus. No more dept to pay. It is complete. There is TOTAL FORGIVENESS FOR OUR TRESPASSES. (Moral failings). You don’t have to live constantly under sin’s guilt and condemnation.

Whenever you sin, you confess it God, ask His forgiveness, cleanse your conscience then crucify that sin in your life by the power of His Spirit.

Review: To understand redemption, we need to understand 3 things:

Rescue (slaves of sin/death) —> Ransom (bought by his blood) —> Release.

How come? Because of the riches of his grace and because we are in Christ Jesus. Apart from Christ, we are salves to sin and addiction. Like the Israel in Egypt, apart from God’s powerful deliverance in grace, they would remain slave forever there. But God in the riches of his grace, he powerfully rescue them from Egypt so that they become freed worshippers serving God freely and lovingly.

Beloved you need to understand sin wants to rule over us, enslave us and destroy us. But our Lord Jesus through his death rescued us and release us. In Christ, you are redeem.

Whatever enslaved you, be it drugs, alcohol, food, sex, gambling, fears, or something else, Jesus has redeemed you from that. You no longer have to be enslaved to such things. Because Jesus died to your sin, you can put that sin to death, walk away from whatever or whoever enslaves you and enjoy a new life that worship God freely.

Use sin … as it will use you. Spare it not, for it will not spare you. It is your murderer, and the murderer of the world. Use it therefore as a murderer should be used. Kill it before it kills you; and then, though it kill your bodies, it shall not be able to kill your souls; and though it bring you to the grave, as it did your head, it shall not be able to keep you there. If the thoughts of death, and the grave, and rottenness, are not pleasant to you, do not let the thoughts of sin be pleasant. Listen to every temptation to sin as you would listen to a temptation to self-murder, and as you would do if the devil brought you a knife and tempted you to cut your throat with it; so do when he offers you the bait of sin.

Richard Baxter

That’s the blessing of redemption, you now have the power to kill your sin.

2) Revelation of His Purpose

Ephesians 1:7–10 (ESV)

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Aside from redemption, another blessing that God ‘lavish’ on us in Christ is the revelation of His will.

In vv. 9-10, there’s a series words that Paul repeats, v.9a - there’s the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, and in v.10 there’s a plan for the world.

Paul then further describe that this plan, this will and this purpose is not fully revealed in the past, hence it is a mystery. A mystery is something that is not disclosed. This plan of God is not fully disclosed in the past, refers in the Old Testament era but now in the dawning of the new covenant has now been disclosed (reveal) to us through the Messiah. The mystery is no longer a mystery now.

What is that mystery and what is that plan? Paul says in v.10

Ephesians 1:10 (ESV)

...as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Legacy Standard Bible 1:10

the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth in Him

This is an important key factor in understanding Ephesians.

The word ‘summing up’ is a word use in wrapping up an argument. For example in a debate, there’s a series of arguments given and then at the end, the speaker will “sum up” or wrap up in one idea or essence his whole argument. So that’s why ESV translators uses the word “unity” to unify the whole argument into one.

Now in this case, Paul is describing God’s ultimate plan or end goal for our salvation. What is that? The unifying of all things in the cosmos under the headship of Christ.

In the immediate context of Ephesians, this refers obviously to the inclusion of the Gentile believers in the covenant family of God. That the Gentile (pagan; non-believers; non-worshippers of Yahweh; some Jews despise the Gentiles) will be partakers of the blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant. In the OT the seeming emphasis is that salvation is of the Jews (and for the Jews only), although there’s a way for a Gentile to be part of God’s covenant people through proselyting. In the Temple, there’s an area called “Court of the Gentiles” - this is where the Gentile is permitted to come (Outermost part of Temple).

But in the new covenant, everything of that changed. The Gentiles now (that’s most of the Ephesians believers; and us) are partakers of the Abrahamic covenant of blessings in the Messiah. So in the sense, through the death and resurrection of the Messiah, the Jews not only received the promise of the Spirit but also the Gentiles. If you read the book of Acts you see the conversion of the Eunuch and Cornelius and his household. What’s amazing is that the Gentiles has now on the same level with the Jews by virtue of their faith in the Messiah.

It’s a mind blown for the Gentiles and the Jews as well. It really showcase the wisdom and insight of God!

The idea here is that God wants to bring all of creation under the headship of the Messiah. All nations, all human race, and all cosmic powers - angelic and demonic under the headship of Jesus the King. The reason I say ‘angelic and demonic’ is because that’s what things in heavens mean. Jesus is the cosmic ruler to whom everything and everyone will bow down.

1 Corinthians 15:27 (ESV)

For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him.

English Standard Version (Chapter 1)

his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

In light of this beloved, let me ask you, what is evangelism? Is it just about person ‘going to heaven’ when they die? No. Evangelism is ultimately helping that person submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. That’s the end goal of salvation. That person will bow and worship at His feet.

If not, someday they will.

Philippians 2:9–10 (ESV)

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

That’s the revelation of His purpose. Unity of all things under the Lordship of the Messiah. [PURSUE UNITY BY SUBMITTING TO HIS LORDSHIP]

Boice Exposition - Ephesians (Ephesians 1:7–10) (Martyn Lloyd Jones)

The perfect harmony that will be restored will be harmony in man and between men. Harmony on the earth and in the brute creation! Harmony in heaven, and all under this blessed Lord Jesus Christ who will be the head of all! Everything will again be united in him. And wonder of wonders, marvellous beyond compare, when all this happens it will never be undone again. All will be reunited in him to all eternity. That is the message; that is God's plan. That is the mystery which has been revealed unto us.... These things are so marvellous that you will never hear anything greater, either in this world or the world to come."

Why would God will make know His purpose to us? So that you and I can align our lives based on His purpose.

If God’s goal is unity of all things in him, then we must make it our priority to pursue Christian and church unity in Christ. Personally, you need to avoid and repent of the sins that causes fleshly and unnecessary divisions in the church like gossips, envy, irritations etc.

Corporately, we should become a church that bless and support those gospel preaching churches that seeks to be faithful in the Word of God and serves the cause of Christ.

If Jesus is Lord, and He is, then I must live a life that reflects that Lordship in my life, my marriage, my parenting and in my workplace. As a church, we are summarizing the gospel, the good news in our life into this phrase - JESUS IS LORD.

That’s the revelation of His purpose, and it should cause us to praise Him.

3) Riches of His Inheritance

Ephesians 1:11–12 (ESV)

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

Transition: From revelation of His will to Riches of His inheritance.

Paul says “In him we have obtained...” What’s the tense of the verb? Past tense. It already happened. You might ask, what do you mean? I already recieved the inheritance? Yes, that’s right. The moment you put your trust in Jesus Christ, the inheritance is yours.

Regarding this spiritual inheritance there is an “already and not yet aspect of it”. If your parent is a billionaire, they plan to leave you an inheritance, within that is the legal will that the inheritance will be given once you reach a certain age, for example 21 or 25, that’s pretty standard. Similarly, we already have this spiritual inheritance, yet we cannot fully obtained until we get to heaven.

Okay, so what’s that inheritance that we received in Christ? In the original word the verb construction is quite difficult. The verb here is in a passive form. In other words it can be translated as “In whom we were made an inheritance.”

In the Legacy Standard Bible version, they translated it this way - “In Him, we also have been made an inheritance” (Eph 1:11)

That means we are Christ’s inheritance. Christ inherited us. We are Christ’s possession. That’s biblically and theologically true.

John 6:37 “All that the Father gives me will come to me...

You see, you and I are a gift from the Father to Jesus. When I received Jesus Christ, God is saying “Here, I present to you Mark Anthony Intas and…” God has granted the church to the Son as his inheritance.

That’s why in Malachi, this is what the Lord says...

Malachi 3:17 (ESV)

“They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.

Now again, if you are struggling of self-worth, just you are important enough to God for God take you, to win you, and give you back to Jesus as an inheritance. You are a love gift from the Father to the Son.

But this could mean something else. It could be translated as like the ESV rendering “In him we have obtained inheritance...” This could mean that we received Christ as our inheritance. When inherit Christ. When you become a Christian, He becomes yours. Like the song says “I am yours and you are mine.”

1 Corinthians 3:21–23 (ESV)

So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

You inherit everything. And He inherits you. You become so one with Christ. He becomes yours and you become His. Your identity now as a believer is so molded and wrapped and blended into Christ that you no longer have identity apart from Him. A Christian has no identity apart from Christ.

That’s why Paul says “ For to me, to live is Christ...” We are so one with Christ. We are Christ’s and Chris is ours. Now both of those interpretations are possible.

But I think what Paul means here is what we receive in Christ. The spiritual riches we receive in his inheritance.

This is what NT also emphasize.

1 Peter 1:3–4 (ESV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,

You might say, great, but what’s that all about? Are you ready? Your inheritance is every promise God ever made.

2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV)

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.

Your inheritance is everything that God has promised for you. Peter says it’s great and precious promises.

What are you looking for? Love? Grace? Wisdom? Eternal Life? Joy? Victory? Strength? Guidance? All your needs be met? Power? Knowledge? Mercy? Forgiveness? Righteousness? Gifts of the Spirit? Strength to endure in the midst of pain and trials? Contentment in the midst of temporary poverty? Everything is yours. You can experience the glimpses of this now.

But you will be fully experience it someday.

Our inheritance is the fullness of salvation that God has for us.

On what ground did God do that?

Ephesians 1:11–12 (ESV)

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

Application: All are yours - if not now, ultimately in the new heaven and new earth. It’s not good to envy and compare and boast or to put all your eggs the temporary basket of this world. All the things that is offered is NOTHING compared to what God has prepare and plan for you. So live for Him and serve His purposes.

Conclusion

Redemption through his blood - Are you killing the sins you were ransomed from?

Revelation of his purpose - are you aligning your life and priorities according to his purpose?

Riches of his inheritance - where have you put your ultimate hope?

All these things should cause us to bless His name.