The Redeeming work of God
Ephesians 1: 7-10
Our text today deals with the present aspect of our salvation and the provision of Christ which secured salvation for humanity. One cannot examine the gracious provision of salvation apart from the finished work of Christ. The Father had a plan that would bring about the opportunity of salvation for fallen humanity, but apart from the redeeming work of Christ we would yet be in our sin and without hope. Christ made the opportunity of salvation a reality through His atoning sacrifice and triumphant resurrection.
The Father set in motion a plan in eternity past to provide our salvation. Through the obedience of Christ, the Son, God’s plan of redemption is now a present reality. This passage reveals the grace of God for those who were undeserving. It amplifies the redemptive position available through faith in Christ, our Redeemer, Savior, and Lord. Because of the fall and our fallen nature, all stand in need of redemption in Christ. When sin is finished, it brings forth death. We all needed to be delivered from the condemnation of sin and set at liberty, being reconciled to God. As we examine the aspects of the provision of Christ for sinful humanity, I want to consider: The Redeeming work of God.
I. The Significance of our Redemption (7) – In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Paul declared the great significance of redemption through Christ. Consider:
A. The Provision – In whom we have redemption through his blood. We have received redemption through the shed blood of Christ upon the cross. One cannot consider salvation, and redemption in particular, apart from recognizing the great price the Lord paid on our behalf. Sin required a perfect sacrifice. God alone was worthy to pay the price sin demanded. Adorning a body of flesh, Christ offered Himself the atoning sacrifice for our sin. He willingly laid down His life, bearing our sin, becoming our substitute, while enduring the wrath of holy God poured out upon sin so that He might redeem us unto Himself.
For those who have been in church for a while, redemption is a word and concept with which we are familiar. It is a vital aspect of our salvation. The redemption provided through the sacrifice Christ made on the cross is gracious and sufficient. This refers to “a ransom paid in order to deliver one from bondage, particularly the bondage of slavery.” We were all enslaved by sin, hopeless within ourselves to purchase our freedom and be liberated from our pitiful condition. The blood Jesus shed on the cross settled the debt, paying the necessary ransom to set us free.
B. The Pardon – In whom we have…the forgiveness of sins Through the selfless sacrifice of Christ, we are not only redeemed, we are also forgiven. In order to fully appreciate this gracious pardon, we need to quickly examine each aspect involved. We have been forgiven in Christ. This means “to send off, to send away, to release, to let go.” (i) In Christ, our sin is forgiven. This refers to a “transgression, trespass, a falling by the way, or deviating from the way.” (ii)
We are all guilty of transgressing the law of God, falling away from Him in sin, deviating from the way of righteousness. God is holy and just. He could have demanded that we pay for our sin debt and bring restitution for our transgression. However, God knew there was an insurmountable problem in that – we were unable to pay our sin debt; we had not way to bring restitution for our transgressions. Therefore, God chose to send His only begotten Son to die in our place, paying our debt to ransom us from sin. In so doing, God made the choice to release our debt, send it away, and let it go. The saved by grace have been fully pardoned of sin through the ransom paid by Christ our Lord.
C. The Plan (7) – In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. The provision and pardon associated with our redemption are all the result of God’s marvelous grace. Prior to the creation of man, God had redemption’s plan in mind. Through His tender grace, God planned to provide redemption for us through His Son. If that doesn’t reveal the riches of God’s grace bestowed on the underserving, I don’t know how it could be described. The saved are recipients of the matchless riches of God’s grace – His unmerited favor for those who are undeserving.
II. The Abundance in our Redemption (8-9) – Paul goes on to describe the great abundance received by those who are redeemed in Christ. He spoke of:
A. The Wisdom through Grace (8) – Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence. The Scriptures are clear that God is much higher, holier, and wiser than any of His creation. His grace toward us, the provision of salvation, the possibility of a relationship with God through Christ, these are all mysteries to us. We lack the ability to comprehend the great depths of God. Yet, through redemption in Christ, God abounds toward us in all wisdom and prudence (understanding and insight.) While we are yet unable to grasp the wonders of salvation and God’s gracious provision, He provides the wisdom needed to offer insight to the vastness of His love for us and the standing we now enjoy being redeemed in Christ.
Through His matchless grace we are drawn unto Him through the leading of the Spirit. Following salvation, the Spirit begins to enlighten us to the deep and mysterious things of God. As the Word is instilled in our hearts, we are instructed on the mysteries of the faith, given spiritual insight, and enabled to walk in close fellowship with our Lord. This is all possible because of the gracious wisdom provided by the Lord.
B. The Wonder in Grace (9a) – Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself. Isn’t that amazing when you pause to consider this truth? In His good grace, God chose to make known to us the mystery of His will. As I read these words, I was reminded that God does not owe humanity anything. He is our Creator. We are all subject to His plans and purpose for our lives. He could have left us to ourselves, allowing us to remain in our sin, being accountable for that sin, and perish eternally because of our sin.
Had He done so, He would still be God. He would still be just and righteous. And yet, in His compassionate grace, God desired that we not only know Him, He desires that we know Him intimately. He desires that we walk in daily fellowship with Him. Through His grace He provides all we need to commune with Him and enjoy abundant, victorious life.
C. The Work of Grace (9b) – Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself. All that we have discussed today is the result of God’s good pleasure, according to the divine will which He purposed in Himself. God was not forced or coerced into making provision for our salvation. Jesus willingly laid down His life to purchase our redemption. We enjoy the blessing and provision of God because He willfully chooses to bestow such blessings upon us. Our salvation, eternal life and victorious existence are all possible because the Lord wills them to be so.
What a gracious, loving Lord we serve. He chose to love us. He chose to die in our place. He chose to save us by His grace. He chose to prepare a place in heaven with Him throughout eternity. He chooses to daily meet our needs. Every blessing we enjoy comes from His gracious hand according to His divine plan. He doesn’t need us and yet He makes provision for us.
III. The Providence in our Redemption (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. Here Paul described the providential nature of our redemption and the hope we have in our providential Lord. He referred to:
A. The Lord’s Power (10a) – That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ. Bear in mind this was written around two thousand years ago. Even then, Paul was looking for and anticipating the Lord’s return for the redeemed. He rested in God’s eternal plan, that when the fulness of time would come, the Lord would return. Paul wanted the church to know their eternal destiny was not in question. It did not rest in the current government or within the dictates of society. The redeemed were secure in Christ, and in His time, He would return for all who have been saved by grace and promised eternal life.
We now live in the age of grace. The Lord has a calendar set and His sovereign plan will be accomplished according to His divine will. We may face adversity and coming persecution, but the redeemed are secure within the provision of our Lord. He will one day gather all the redeemed unto Himself and we will spend eternity in the presence of our Redeemer.
B. The Lord’s Purpose (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. The Lord Jesus paid the ransom for our sin. He willingly died so we might live. Paul speaks of the consummation that will come in the end. All the redeemed will be gathered together in Christ. Christ will be exalted and praised for His redemptive work. He will be seated as the sovereign judge. All will stand before Christ and bow their knee, with every tongue confessing that He is Lord to the glory of the Father. This will unfold just as the Lord has planned.
Conclusion: As we conclude our study today, I rejoice to know that I was included in the Lord’s eternal plan. I am thankful His sovereign will is being accomplished today and will continue until the end. If you are saved by grace, you have much to be thankful for unto the Lord. He purchased your redemption, forgave your sin, and reconciled you to God. In Him we have the promise of eternal life in heaven. We have received much in Christ through His marvelous grace. If you are yet unsaved, come in repentance and faith. Be saved today!
i. Leadership Ministries Worldwide. (1996). Galatians–Colossians (p. 122). Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide.
ii. Ibid
