A Divine Nature Purchased By His Son

A Divine Nature Purchased by His Son. (Vv. 7-14)

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

The great price of the purchase was remitted. (Vv. 7-8)

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; (Vv. 7, 8)

Redemption, as it reflected Paul’s Jewish training, referred first to the way God redeemed the nation of Israel during the Exodus. This was a national redemption that involved “God’s chosen people” being set free from Egyptian bondage. God is often spoken of in the New Testament as the Redeemer of His People Israel. The second redemption brings about the liberty of the New People. Jesus has once and for all provided for redemption, for those of us who are in the New Testament economy, through the shedding of the blood of His Son. In doing so, He has put off His own anger toward us who are wicked and defiled sinners. We have no merit, state, or rank in and of ourselves. Yet, when God commended his love toward us while we were yet sinners, He was able to do all that which was required to bring us to a state of repentance and then to a state of being redeemed. The wrath of God is no longer against us, but instead we have the free pardon of sin.

John Gill certainly knew how to summarize this great truth when he wrote the following: “That redemption by Christ is such a deliverance, as that it is setting persons quite free and at entire liberty; such who are dead to sin by Christ are freed from it, from the damning power of it, and from its dominion and tyranny; and though, not as yet, from the being of it; yet, ere long, they will be; when, with the rest of the members of the church, they will be presented glorious, without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing: and such are free from the law; though not from obedience to it, yet from the bondage of it; they are delivered from it, and are no longer held in it, as in a prison; but are directed and exhorted to stand fast in the liberty from it, with which Christ has made them free; and this will have its full completion on all accounts, when the saints shall be delivered from every degree of bondage into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” (Gill)

To make our redemption gift possible. (Vv. 7)

Redemption could not have happened without Christ shedding His own precious blood. This was very necessary for the justice of God to be served and then He be satisfied. His blood being perfect, as He also was perfect, meant that there was no blemish or defect to be found in the sacrifice that was offered for redemption. The lamb which was offered in the Old Testament without blemish was only a crude type (in comparison) to the offering of Himself. The redemption was also provided for the purpose of reconciliation so that the reconciled could be at peace with God. Having the “peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) is certainly a great result of redemption that is found only in Christ Jesus.

Another purpose of redemption by Christ is that the redeemed might enjoy the blessing of adoption; for so it is said, that God sent his Son "to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons", (Gal. 4:4, 5) One of the great benefits of adoption is found in verses 6 and 7: “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” We, who are redeemed receive an inheritance through Christ and may enjoy for all eternity the benefits and the blessings of that inheritance.