Where Is Easter?

Background to passage: Today is our second pass through the opening sentence in the book of Ephesians; a book written to the saints there, whom Paul knew well. These believers within the fourth largest city in the Roman Empire. This is the first sentence after the greeting. It is powerful, theologically deafening, yet a structurally convoluted nightmare run-on sentence with only one real theme that spans and links it all together. Phrase upon phrase, idea related to and unrelated to the previous one, all with the point of “in Christ.” Where is Easter? In Christ!

Ephesians 1:7–14 ESV

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Opening illustration:

Well I can sniff, I can see And I can count up pretty high But these faculties aren't getting me Any close to the sky But my heart of faith keeps pounding So I know I'm doing fine But sometimes finding You Is just like trying to

Sometimes finding You Is just like trying to Sometimes finding You Is just like trying to smell the color nine Smell the color nine Nine is not a color And even if it were, you can't smell a color, no That's my point exactly

Main thought: John Piper wrote a book on preaching, Expository Exultation, and that is what today is because of the wonder in this text about glories given to the lovers of Christ. For those of you here today who are saved, this message will help you to rejoice in who you are in Jesus. For those of you here today who are not following Christ and have never been born again, this message is to offer you what Jesus died and rose again to give.

1) Redemption and Forgiveness (v. 7-10)

Ephesians 1:7–10 (ESV)

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 1) Redemption and Forgiveness (v. 7-10)

Explanation: As I said the theme is in Christ, this part of the sentence builds off the last “in the Beloved.” Believers have been redeemed. This means to be purchased or the price paid to set one free from bondage of slavery. The price paid is mentioned here - the blood of Jesus. His death was the payment for your freedom from sin. The judgment that was due you, under the curse of the law, the perfection of God, his holiness, was eternal punishment for incalculable injury to his glory. Jesus took it to pay it all. This resulted in the forgiveness of your sin. When you put your faith in Christ as your only hope, relying on his death and resurrection as the only hope you have for eternal life, every sin you ever committed or will commit IS forgiven; is currently and will forever be forgiven. You sins, according to the riches of his grace, are cast as far as the east is from the west and thrown in the depths of the sea, never to be held against you again.

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (ESV)

19 ...You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body.

Galatians 3:13 ESV

13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—

1 Peter 1:18–19 ESV

18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.