Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; The expression "redemption" as direct and immediate reference to our ruined and wretched condition in consequence of the fall; and it is used to signify our entire deliverance from all the evils involved or implied in our being sinners against God under His righteous and holy law. It is a term which comprehends our complete emancipation from sin and its consequences. 1. In the first place, and most important of all, he is a guilty being, because he is a sinner. 2. Man through sin has become habituated to sin. He is incarcerated in a prison house of sinful vices and habits, and held fast by legal chains of spiritual wickedness. Now, from its actual slavery, we are redeemed by Christ, in consequence of His atonement, and by virtue of His gracious Spirit. "Ye are not under the law, but under grace; sin, therefore, shall not have dominion over you." 3. We must consider all the outward and physical evils which sin has brought into the world, of which death may be said to be the climax. From all these, however sad and melancholy, "redemption" effects a substantial deliverance now, whilst we have to battle against them, and a complete and glorious riddance at last, in our recovery from the grave. The first thing to be effected in the case of sinners under a sovereign God and a righteous law, is to remove their guilt, that they may stand free from all blame worthiness, and become exempt from the curse. But, this effected, the rest may be expected certainly and surely to follow, from the same grace and mercy which have already been brought into exercise. "The forgiveness of sins" is just a way of expressing the idea that all guilt whatsoever is removed; so that the sinner stands before God, in the eye of His law, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. In the completeness of this forgiveness, we recognize its highest excellence; for did but one sin remain against the sinner, that alone were sufficient to condemn him. As by one sin man originally fell, so, if but one were to abide unforgiven, he could not be raised up again. But, blessed be God! "the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin." It is not by a system of moral recovery; it is not merely by truth, that you are redeemed. A prior difficulty must be surmounted, and that could only be accomplished by the surrender of His well-beloved.But we are redeemed by blood — by the sufferings of Jesus Christ — by His atoning sacrifice. 1. This wondrous plan is God's own device or method. It originated in Him — in His love and wisdom. 2. The sacrifice was offered up freely by Christ. He gave Himself. He had power to lay down His life and He had power to take it up again. But He said, "Lo! I come. I delight to do Thy will, O My God." "Christ also hath loved us, and gave Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour." 3. The offering was accepted by God as a full satisfaction for the sins of His people. (W. Alves.) Parallel Verses KJV: In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; |
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