2.5. SALVATION BLESSING OF REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD (Ephesians 1:7,8)

Ephesians 1:7 "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; "

It is in our Kinsman Redeemer - the Son of God who became the Son of man - even bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh - yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15 ), that we find our only redemption. To redeem is to buy back, to release by ransom. We were "sold under sin" (Romans 7:14 ). Now in Him - the only one who could pay the price and set us free (1 Peter 1:18,19 ), we are redeemed - bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20 ). We are the Church of God by redemption. Every member is so by deliverance from sin and Satan. We have been taken out of the slave market of sin.

As Wesley wrote, "He breaks the power of cancelled sin and sets the prisoner free."

All that was lost to us by sin, is restored to us in Him. Restored to full inheritance in Christ.

His blood points to:

	His life given for our life - the truth of substitution.
	His sinless life given for sinners - the truth of His perfect sacrifice.
	His love for the Church in giving Himself for her - the truth of real husband relationship.
	Sure forgiveness of sins and victory over sin - the truth of victorious living in Christ.

Ephesians 1:7 "... according to the riches of his grace; "

His amazing grace is revealed in the value put on our redemption - His blood. The riches of His grace through the blood is able to abound towards us (Ephesians 1:8 ) in all wisdom and prudence. There is nothing of chance or unthought out about our salvation, both in the overall wisdom that devised it, and the prudent, that is practical, way in which it was accomplished.

Not only was God's rich wisdom and prudence shown in the shedding of the blood of our Saviour to save us, it is revealed in His personal dealings with us that made us personal recipients of all the benefits through His blood. The heartfelt acknowledgement is expressed in

Romans 11:33 "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! ..."

Five times in Ephesians the word "mystery" is used. The word is a technical, theological term in the New Testament used to indicate an aspect of God's eternal plan not revealed in the Old Testament, but which has now been unveiled. Here, the particular disclosure is the truth that everything is moving towards that glorious consummation of all things (Ephesians 1:10 ). The day is coming when Philippians 2:10-11 will be a reality.

Philippians 2:10,11 "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; ¹¹ And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. "

What was planned and done, and what is to be done in Christ is the good pleasure of the will of God. But our salvation and the consummation of it at Christ's return delights the heart of God. The plan of our salvation sprang from within the heart of God - not from any external considerations. This is abundantly clear from the expression

Ephesians 1:9 "... according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: "

There never was external influence of the mind and counsels of the Godhead (Romans 11:34 ).

The Word reveals that Jesus Christ is the centre of God's great redemptive plan.

Ephesians 1:10 "That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: "

The culmination of God's purposes are in Jesus Christ. All things are united and fulfilled in Jesus. How we should value the Scriptures where in,

2 Peter 1:19 "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; ..."

We have God's plan for us in Christ for the future, until time is no more and we are with Him for all eternity.

Ephesians 1:11 "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, ..."

1 Peter 1:4 "To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,"

(Romans 8:17,32; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 5:10 ). Oh, the literal riches we have in Christ.

It is based on His sure plan, will and work - which will result to the praise of His glory. We are the recipients of this inheritance through trusting in Christ (Ephesians 1:12 ).

---

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What value did God put on your redemption? (Ephesians 1:7-8 ).
2. Can you explain the New Testament term "mystery"? (Ephesians 1:9-10 ).