Study of Ephesians

Week 2

 

Ephesian 1:7-12

 

Being a teacher by profession, I am challenged by the seemingly run-on sentence Paul gives us in Ephesians 1:3-14.  It, however, provides for us as Christians some of the most glorious theological and foundational truths in God’s Word. His praise declared to the triune God is laced with the very message of the gospel.

 

Last week, we looked at Ephesians 1:3-6 where Paul proclaims us as “chosen by the Father in Him.”  Today, we draw our attention to Ephesians 1:7-12. While this is just a portion of Paul’s original song of praise, we find this uncompromising truth.  

We are redeemed through Christ.

“In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses (sin), according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us in all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him, with a view to an administration suitable to the fulness of the times, that is the summing up of all things in Christ, things in heaven and things upon the earth. In Him also, we have obtained an inheritance having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.“  Ephesians 1:7-12

 

Redeemed in the Greek means, “Buy back from, re-purchasing what was previously lost.”(1)

 

As Christians, this theological message is at the very heart of our lives. Our sins have separated us from God (Romans 3:23) not just for this life, but for all eternity. But in verse 7, we see that we have redemption through His blood, which provides forgiveness for our sins. 

What is so special about His blood?

It is precious. 1 Peter 1:19

It is innocent. Matthew 27:4

It is necessary. Hebrews 9:22

It is final. Hebrews 9:24

It is redemptive. Romans 3:24-25

It is victory for all of eternity. Revelations 12:11

What is so special about His blood? It is everything. Isn’t it?

 

“…according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us…” (v7-8)

I just love that word “lavish”. It means “exceed, go beyond the expected measure, ie: above and beyond.” (2)

 

His blood wasn’t just enough. It was more than enough. His blood provides for us a grace that goes beyond the expected measure, above and beyond any need we will ever have or any sin we have ever committed.  

 

“He made known (“gnorizo”- through personal experience) to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him (Jesus).” (9)

Here, we see the God of all the universe is willing to make known to us His will.

What is God’s greatest desire? 2 Peter 3:9, John 3:16, 1 John 4:10

 

 

In Him, in Christ, we are redeemed.

But we are redeemed for a purpose.

 

May I suggest that we join Paul in his praise today?

May I suggest that we memorialize this passage by highlighting or underlining all of the instances we see Paul use the phrase, “in Him” or “in Christ” or “in the Beloved”?

May I suggest that as we move through Ephesians, together we highlight that phrase?

(Hint: There will be close to thirty six times in all.)

 

Why? Because it puts a stake in the ground that says apart from Him, we can do nothing. John 15:5 

But “in Him”, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

 

We may not be, as Paul states in Ephesians 1:12, “the first to hope in Christ…” but we, because of the blood of Christ and by the grace of a loving Father, can share in His riches, so lavishly given to us all, “to the praise of His glory.” (v12)

 

Footnotes:

(1-2)  Ephesians 1:7-12 Lexicon, Bible Hub.com accessed January 2022, https://biblehub.com/lexicon/ephesians/1-7.htm

 

Question for discussion: (your email is never posted or shared )

In Christ, we are redeemed. How does this fact change the way we live, act or think?