2020.03.26 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ephesians 1:7–8

Read Ephesians 1:7–8

Questions from the Scripture text: What do we have in Jesus (Ephesians 1:7a)? Through what? What does this redemption entail? According to what was this redemption purchased? What does Christ make this redemption do unto us (Ephesians 1:8a)? In what two things does this redemption abound?  

Through hundreds of pages of Scripture, the Holy Spirit prepares us to understand the RICHES of Ephesians 1:7–8. Redemption was something that the life of the firstborn was given to purchase for BOTH Israel and Egypt. Redemption was something in which money could be offered to purchase the life of that firstborn, in memory of when the blood of the Passover lamb protected that life. Redemption was something that could be purchased for anyone who ended up in slavery through debt.

But never was there a redemption like this. Redemption through His blood! All the wealth in the world—indeed, every created thing—together cannot begin to indicate the value of Him from Whom, and through Whom, and for Whom all things exist. And yet, He took to Himself flesh and blood that He might spill that blood in order to purchase us!

What bank is so flush with wealth that it can afford such a payment as the blood of Christ? The bank of the riches of God’s grace. We often talk about depending upon grace, but I think we could do with more meditating upon the greatness of that grace upon which we depend, praise God! It is a grace so rich that it was according to these riches that the blood of Jesus purchased us for adoption as sons of God.

Indeed, of all of the things that God’s wisdom and understanding has devised, here is one thing that Scripture describes all of His wisdom and understanding bending itself upon: purchasing us through the blood of Christ according to the riches of His grace.

Truly, our redemption is a marvel at which we will wonder in praise for unending ages. And it makes one’s heart ache with a desire that the flesh would be mortified more even now, in order that we might wonder and praise more even now. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Ephesians 1:3)!

What can you do to remind yourself of the greatness of your redemption?

Suggested songs: ARP103A “O Bless the Lord, My Soul” or TPH340 “There Is a Fountain”