Redeemed and Forgiven

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;  Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;--Ephesians 1:7-8

Paul begins this chapter praising His God for the spiritual blessings that we have in Christ.  Throughout the first 14 verses he lists some of these riches.  In verses 4-6 (and in previous studies) we saw that we, who are in Christ, are:

1. Chosen by God

2.  Predestined by God to be His adopted sons and daughters

3.  Accepted by God in His Son, Jesus.

Looking at the next two verses (7-8) we see that we have redemption through his blood and forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace which is made manifest in all wisdom and prudence.  That is quite a mouthful... so let's look an them separately.

Our God has redeemed us!  In Him, the bible says, is plenteous redemption. The Greek word for redemption is apolutrosis.  It means "a releasing effected by payment of ransom."  "To let one go free on receiving the price."  "Deliverance as a result of the payment of a ransom." This redemption implies freedom from the guilt, the punishment and the power of sin.  My Jesus gave His life as a ransom for me! Paraphrasing Zechariah 9:11:  By the blood of His covenant he has brought me out of the pit where there was no water

John 8:34  Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

Romans 7:14  For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Galatians 3:13  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

It is in Christ that we find our true liberty.

John 8:36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Our redemption is through His blood.  The book of First Peter tells me that I was not redeemed with corruptible things such as silver and gold but with the precious blood of Christ as a lamb slain.  The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ was the purchase price paid to redeem us from our helpless estate.  By His death Jesus paid the price to deliver us from the bondage of sin into the glorious liberty of children of God.


Revelation 5:9,12  And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;....Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Only through His Son can sinners like you and me be a people who are holy and without blame before Him in love.  Only through His Son can we be adopted as sons unto Him.  Truly we are not worthy, but He is!

We also have forgiveness in Christ.  My God has forgiven me ALL my past, present and future sins. I am justified before Him when I believe.  This is an amazing statement.  Let's look at the meaning of the word forgiveness in the Greek.  The Greek word is aphesis and it means to release from bondage or imprisonment, forgiveness or pardon of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed),
THAT is a pretty good deal!

What is sin? Again, here is the meaning in the Greek (paraptoma):  to fall beside or near something; a lapse or deviation from truth and uprightness,  a sin, misdeed, or trespass...unintentional (error) or willful (transgression)  

All of us sin and fall short of the glory of God...there is no one good, the Bible says, not one.  It is only through Jesus that we can obtain pardon for our sins.  Blessed are we whose transgressions are forgiven and whose sin is covered.  Blessed is the man whom the Lord does not impute iniquity and in whose spirit is no guile!  My God is good, ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy to all that call on Him in truth!

Verse 7-8 tells us that the basis for both redemption and forgiveness is according to the riches of our God's grace which He made abound to toward us.  It is the riches of His goodness, forbearance and long-suffering that lead us to repentance.  It is by God's mercy and grace that we are justified.  This wonderful grace is made manifest in all wisdom and prudence.  God knows all things...He knows how to apply his knowledge to the best advantage and attain the highest goals.  His wisdom is unsearchable and His ways past finding out!  My God is prudent...He ponders, He considers carefully all that He does so...with much thought...He chose to show His grace toward us.  


But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.--Ephesians 2:4-7

For next study in Ephesians go here