Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; I. THE CERTAINTY WITH WHICH CHRIST HAS, IN POINT OF PACT, REDEEMED HIS PEOPLE. 1. Show how we came to need redemption. 2. Christ Jesus, as Mediator, at a certain period of this world's history, gave Himself a ransom for His people. II. I come now to mention some of the PROPERTIES OF THAT REDEMPTION with which Christ redeems His people. 1. It is free or unmerited on the part of man. 2. A full redemption. 3. This redemption takes effect in time. 4. This redemption is for eternity. 5. Redemption by Jesus implies that we could not redeem ourselves.It is a law in nature that like produces like; and if it be once settled that our progenitors were corrupted and depraved, and at the same time granted that we are descended from them, the contrary of which is self-contradictory; then as sure as the corrupted fountain sends forth a polluted stream, so sure are we backward to that which is good, and forward to that which is evil. And sooner may the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots — which would be nature inverting nature's course, for it is natural for them to be as they are — than can man who is born of a woman cease to do evil, and learn to do well. I shall now conclude this discourse with a few remarks, by way of improvement. 1. From this subject learn the high privilege of the children of men to be redeemed by the blood of Christ (1 John 3:1). Redemption is doubly endeared to man by the love of God, and by the sufferings of Jesus. 2. From this subject learn the duty of Christian diligence (2 Peter 3:14). 3. Learn from what has been said, that the end of refusing this redemption is eternal death (Isaiah 30:33). 4. From this subject learn the blessedness of the redeemed (1 Corinthians 2:19). (R. Montgomery.) 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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