Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.
Redemption is a term that we hear a lot in church, as is redeemed. In the Bible, redemption is always used in reference to Christ’s death on the cross. Through His death we are redeemed or saved from the consequences of sin. Redemption is the buying back or the regaining of what was lost – our future. He paid the price for humanity’s sins. His death atoned for our transgressions and sins (1 John 2:2)
In this verse, Paul says we have redemption through His blood. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement (Romans 3:25). Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22). That is why the Israelites made sacrifices in the Old Testament. It was the only way to receive forgiveness. And Christ became the final and ultimate sacrifice, ending the need for any other sacrifice. The price was paid, our sins forgiven, our futures redeemed.
All of this was done in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. That means it is something that is not the result of human effort. It was done through Him, not us. It is a gift from God, undeserved and unearned. We can do nothing on our own to accomplish salvation. It comes through the blood of Christ only. We are reconciled to God through faith in Christ and by His grace. While we may be involved in the process, ultimately it comes down to grace being an undeserved gift we are given.
We then strive to live a godly life despite being sinners. This process of confession and repentance is called sanctification – the ongoing process of becoming more like Jesus. This process includes living a holy life that is set apart and lived for Him, something every one of us should be working on day after day until we are with Him in heaven.
Today thank Him for the grace He has lavished on you. And choose to live a life that is godly and set apart.
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