Ephesians- Chapter 1- Lesson 5- Redemption and Forgiveness

Verse 7
I) In whom we have redemption- Paul now begins the explanation of how we reached this point of acceptance.
A) In whom- the beloved of verse 6.
B) We have- at this present moment.
1) Who at this present moment has redemption and all that will be said of it?
a) Refer back to verse one and the words “faithful” and “saints”, then glance down at verse 12 and the words “who first trusted in Christ”
2) Redemption- note Psalm 107:2, redeemed (purchased out) the idea of a price being paid.
3) There are 3 requirements under the law of God for someone to redeem another.
a) He had to be related (the virgin birth) Hebrews 2:14.
b) He had to be able Hebrews 7:25.
c) He had to be willing Hebrews 12:2.
II) The forgiveness of sins- explains redemption, i.e. “even” the forgiveness of sins.
A) Sin according to Romans 3:23 is the missing of the mark by coming up short. We have come short of the absolute obedience demanded and the resultant penalty is death.
1) This penalty must be paid by the sinner or a substitute.
Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23; Psalm 49:7; Matthew 20:28
III) According to the riches of His grace.
1) According- in keeping with, answerable to.
2) Riches- fullness: not just sufficient grace to get us to heaven (see notes on “accepted”) but grace that goes exceeding beyond that which is needed.
3) Grace- unmerited favor, see 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 and the word charity.  While charity can be translated love, it unfortunately does not do justice to the word.  We understand charity as doing something for others who can never repay the kindness.  This is the idea behind grace, it takes no thought of the ability or the worthiness of the object to which it is shown.
1) Grace is no more swayed by the good of man than it is hindered by his evil.
2) Both are treated equal and can reap the same results (blessings) if they will yield to the requirement of faith.
3) Romans 5:8 says that God commended (put on open display) His love by allowing Christ to die even when we were His enemies.
4) In John 3:16 the word “so” is a word emphasizing the manner, not necessarily the intensity.  Thus giving His Son was the manner in which He loved or displayed His love of the world.
5) It is by the way He displayed His love that we understand the intensity of His love.  Romans 8:32
6) Therefore all men can be saved if they will. 2 Peter 3:9, the only hindrance is the coming to repentance.