Redeemed And Transformed: Exploring The Riches Of God's Grace Ephesians 1:7-10 Series

Today, we embark on a journey through Ephesians 1:7-10, where we will delve into the transformative power of God's grace and redemption. These verses reveal the incredible blessings bestowed upon us through Christ Jesus, inviting us to explore the depths of His love and the richness of His grace.

Point 1: Redemption Through His Blood (Ephesians 1:7)

Ephesians 1:7: "He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins." Here, Paul emphasises the centrality of Christ's sacrifice on the cross for our redemption. Through His shed blood, we are set free from the bondage of sin and reconciled to God. This act of redemption demonstrates the incomparable love and mercy of our Heavenly Father.

The phrase "purchased our freedom" highlights the costly nature of our redemption. It required nothing less than the precious blood of Jesus, underscoring the depth of God's love and the extent of His grace towards us.

As Charles Spurgeon eloquently stated, "Redemption is costly, it is precious, it is eternal. It is the greatest demonstration of God's love for us."

Romans 3:24-25 - "Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood."

In these verses, Paul articulates the essence of the gospel message. He underscores the foundational truth that righteousness is not earned but freely given by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This grace is made manifest in Christ's sacrificial death, where His blood atones for our sins, reconciling us to God.

Our righteousness before God is solely based on the finished work of Christ on the cross. It is through faith in Him that we receive the gift of salvation and are made right with God.

Point 2: The Mystery of His Will (Ephesians 1:8-9)

Continuing to verse 8-9: "He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan."

Paul marvels at the wisdom and understanding God has bestowed upon us, enabling us to comprehend His divine will. Through Christ, God has unveiled His plan of redemption, a mystery hidden from ages past but now revealed to us.

John Piper aptly captures this truth, saying, "The mystery of God's will is not meant to confound us but to captivate us, drawing us into the wonder of His redemptive plan."

Colossians 1:26-27 - "This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory."

Paul unveils the mystery hidden for ages past – that Christ dwells in believers, both Jew and Gentile. This indwelling presence of Christ is the hope of glory, assuring believers of their future inheritance and union with Him.

As believers, we can find assurance and confidence in the reality of Christ's presence within us. This empowers us to live victoriously and to share in His glory both now and for eternity.

Point 3: Unity and Fulfillment in Christ (Ephesians 1:10)

Verse 10 proclaims: "And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth."

Paul reveals the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan: to unite all things in heaven and on earth under the lordship of Christ. This grand culmination underscores the sovereignty and majesty of our Lord, who reigns supreme over all creation.

C.H. Spurgeon beautifully articulates this truth, saying, "In Christ, all things find their fulfilment and unity. He is the center of God's eternal purpose, the Alpha and Omega of creation's story."

Philippians 2:9-11 - "Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Paul exalts Christ as the exalted Lord, whose name is above every other name. He prophesies a future day when every creature will acknowledge Jesus' lordship, to the glory of God the Father.

This passage reminds us of the ultimate sovereignty and majesty of Christ. It calls us to surrender our lives to His lordship and to proclaim His name with reverence and awe, knowing that one day, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.