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.
~Ephesians 1:7-10
Ephesians is absolutely rich with theology. The book of Hebrews tell us that the Word is alive and active, sharper than a double edge sword. Second Timothy tell us that ALL scripture is breathed out by God.
The gravity of those two things is like standing on a clear silent night, staring at a sky filled with endless stars…only better.
We know that the apostle Paul physically penned these words to the church in Ephesus, but it was God who gave him the words, and then breathed life into the words themselves. The Word of God touches us in ways not possible by any other written or spoken word.
This particular passage is going to be repeated next week because there’s just so much here.
What do we have “In Him”?
Redemption.
Forgiveness.
Lavishing grace.
Wisdom and insight into His will.
Redeemed and forgiven from what? In a single word: sin. Jesus redeemed us from the worst of ourselves. He saved us from the times we think too highly of ourselves and the times we think we can get away with too much. He saved us from the times we listen to the wrong voices and followed the wrong path. The times we stay out too late and enjoy the wrong crowd…He saved us from our sin.
He saved us from OUR sin.
This side of heaven, He didn’t save us from the world’s sin. We’ll cover that when we get to chapter 6. Instead, He promises us that since the world hated Him, we’re pretty much guaranteed that the world will also hate us. He says that we will have trouble in this world. But He will be with us. And He will always offer that redemption and forgiveness when we take our eyes off of Him.
Only in Him can we find peace and freedom. Redemption and forgiveness.