Redemption in Christ

​Ephesians 1:7 ~ “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”
 
Let us take this moment today and reflect upon the great salvation that is so richly provided in Christ Jesus our LORD. There are those who make much of the power of Christ to do miracles and wonders, always seeking after the next sign that would prove His majesty. Yet there is one great sign, one all important evidence of the authority and might of our LORD and that is His death and subsequent resurrection. And why did Jesus die? The answer is simple: He died to pay the price for the redemption of all who would believe. So, then, why did He rise from the grave? That answer is also straightforward: He rose from the grave as evidence that His payment was sufficient. And herein lies the gospel, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
 
And so, as we consider our text today, we read, “In him we have redemption through his blood.” There is much that can be understood from this text. It is in “Him” and in nothing and no one else that there is the means of redemption. You cannot work for it, or earn it. You cannot barter the LORD for His merciful grace. He will not be bribed nor will the Almighty be persuaded to save you by any other means than through His Son, the LORD Jesus. Acts 4:12 states, “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” And what do we have “in Him?” We have the sure and sufficient payment made—our redemption through His blood. The LORD paid the ransom price for His people, and that is what our redemption cost—the life of our LORD. He paid it with His blood. Revelation 1:5-6 proclaims, “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” It was the only payment that would satisfy the justice of the Almighty and yet provide the means for God to be merciful to us.
 
But what does that redemption provide? It is the greatest of all provisions, the most desperately needed of necessities for man—"the forgiveness of our trespasses.” How quickly we fall into the notion that we need something else, or we consider other, more earthly benefits of greater worth than the mercy of God. But the condemned criminal, whose hour has come and is headed to his execution, has only one desire—only one hope—that somehow a pardon will come before the final moment, that mercy will be granted. Of what worth are any promised earthly benefits for a man set to die? Jesus asked in Matthew 16:26, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” There is nothing you or I could give to the LORD that would move Him to pardon our sins. Jesus has done it all. Our forgiveness is purchased, our mercy is secured in Christ. All who are in Christ will have their trespasses forgiven on account of His name. 1 John 2:12 says, “I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.” I will tell you this, there has never been a kinder word spoken to me than the LORD Jesus saying, “Your sins are forgiven.”
 
And, yet, what measure does God use when dispensing His mercy? Will He be merciful, but only to a point? Does the Almighty have a limit on how far reaching His forgiveness of sin extends? Our text for today concludes with this, “according to the riches of his grace.” Oh, beloved, I believe I have said this on previous days, but it is worth repeating: the LORD Jesus has more grace to dispense than you have sins committed. You cannot run out of God’s grace, for the well of His mercy springs up ever fresh and will forgive your trespasses and cleanse you from sin. Romans 5:20 declares, “Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.” Now, dear ones, let His grace reign in your heart and mind so that you despise your sins that cost the LORD so dearly and love the righteousness that pleases Him so much. If, dear reader, you are in Christ, then let this be a precious reminder to you of His redemption. And, if you have not yet received His mercy, then I would implore you to believe on the LORD Jesus that you, too, would be saved.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

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