Ephesians 1:7-12

                                                                     Ephesians 1:7-12

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.

The Lord Jesus is actively involved in every aspect of salvation.  His death and resurrection is the means by which salvation was accomplished.  However, Christ did so much more than die for our sins.  He blessed us in immeasurable ways for which we should forever be grateful.  The word of Christ on our behalf should always lead us to worship Him.

 

CHRIST REDEMED US: We were all born imprisoned and enslaved to sin.  This status resulted in our condemnation before God.  However, because of the love of God, who sent Jesus to rescue us from sin, all who believe have been redeemed.  We have been purchased from our enslavement to sin.  The price to free us from our imprisonment in sin has been paid.  The blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross was the price that was paid for our redemption.  Because of His blood shed on our behalf, we are set free from sin and the condemnation it caused.

 

CHRIST FORGIVES US: We have all sinned and continue to sin in our struggle on this earth.  However, we who have placed their faith in Christ have been forgiven of our sin.  Mankind’s greatest need is forgiveness.  The death of Chris makes forgiveness possible because Jesus paid the price for sin which is death.  The Father can justly forgive our sin because the demands of the Law have been met by Jesus.  There is no longer any condemnation for any who are in Christ because we have been crucified with Christ.  This forgiveness was “lavished” upon us by God’s amazing grace.  We can do nothing to earn or deserve it.  By faith we receive it. 

 

CHRIST UNITES US: God’s wisdom has been revealed through His gracious plan of salvation.  Through the Lord Jesus Christ, He has made known to us His plan to unite people from all the different nations of the world into one body called the Church.  In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, rich or poor, male or female, when it comes to membership in His body.  He has died for all of us and made it possible for us to become one body.  Sin had caused a separation between man and God and between man and man.  In Jesus we are united once again with God and with one another. 

 

CHRIST REWARDS US: All who have trusted Christ as our only hope for salvation have been rewarded with an inheritance.  Since we have been adopted by the Father into the family of God, we are heirs together with Christ who inherits all things.  God is in control of the events of this world and is at work to accomplish His will in all things.  Nothing is beyond is sovereign will and He has predestined that we will live eternally in His presence and for His glory.  We were created to glorify God.  The only way that we will ever feel completely fulfilled is when we are accomplishing that for which we were created: bringing glory to God.  We will worship Him perfectly for all eternity and therefore will experience everlasting joy.  Worshiping God in spirit and in truth is the ultimate reward of our salvation.

 

APPLICATION: Thank the Lord Jesus for shedding His blood to pay the price for our sin.  Enjoy the forgiveness we have in Christ by refusing to wallow in the guilt and accusations that Satan tries to throw our way.  Live in unity with all members of the body of Christ and strive to expand the Church in ever nation, tribe, people, and language.  Worship and glorify the Lord in all we do, understanding that this is our highest calling and richest reward.

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