In Him (part 1): Redemption

In Him (part 1): Redemption

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.

We finished last week with Paul repeating his praise of God in verse 6...

Ephesians 1:6 ESV

to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

What we have today in verses 7-14 we see HOW this was possible.

word for today is REDEMPTION

Ephesians 1:7 ESV

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

“We have...”

This verse is not for everyone.

You have been chosen (v4)

You have been predestined for adoption (v5)

Before those truths make any difference to you… You must respond to it.

John 3:16 “… whosoever believes will have eternal life.”

It is offered to everyone, however...

1 Tim 4:10 “...God is saviour of all men, ESPECIALLY those who believe.”

Every day, people hear the call to accept Christ, but decide to go on with their life. (Rejecting the offer of salvation)

To them the redemption we are talking about today, doesn’t mean anything.

“We have redemption” ...what has been done.

Redemption

“release or deliverance from a state of slavery.”

We were slaves to sin.

Some people will argue with that, “I’m not a slave to sin, I can decide to be good or not.”

You know who doesn’t argue? Those who have lived a sinful life, then found Jesus and EVERYTHING changed!

My own personal testimony (all my desires changed when I got off the floor)

Delivered from the STATE of sin.

If you have not accepted Jesus ..you are separated from God.

No matter how good you try to be, you cannot change that.

Jesus paid a price that REDEEMED you from that state of separation.

Our freedom was purchased for us.

Example are repeated throughout OT

Exodus for Egypt

Isaiah 43:1–2 ESV

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

fear not for I have redeemed you (in Egypt)

When you go through trials you will not stop being my people.

Story of Hosea and Gomer

Gomer (harlott)

left her husband to be “cared for” by worldly means. (to get security and pleasure from the world)

Hosea went and actually bought her back.

Ephesians 1:7 ESV

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

“through His blood” … how it was accomplished.

The means of our redemption

Jesus paid with His blood on the cross.

Why was blood necessary for sacrifice?

Life is in the blood (lev 17:11)

You need to understand the severity of sin!!!

Our redemption came at a high price.

But Jesus was willing to pay that price for us.

A clear understanding of sin is also needed when we consider this price was paid...

“...for the forgiveness of our trespasses...” why it was necessary.

We have become so sophisticated in avoiding the use of the word sin

adultery - entanglement

lie - white lie

if you can’t avoid it - you have some condition. (It’s not really my fault)

I’m not saying all sin is equal

But all sin separates us from God.

You may not think you’re as bad as your neighbor, but you’re bad enough.

Before we close...

There is something else Paul tells us about this wonderful gift of redemption.

We may be tempted to pass by the significance.

So consider again the context of the original recipients of the letter.

They might have spent their whole lives trying to catch the attention of some false god…

Ephesians 1:9 ESV

making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ

God has done this amazing thing … and let us know what He is doing.

Not only did Jesus die for our sins … but we KNOW why it all happened.

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.

We are told were this is all going.

To reject God isn’t rejecting His sovereignty, or His glory

It is rejecting the future He has offered.