IN HIM WE HAVE REDEMPTION

Passage: Ephesians 1:7-14

Key verse: 7

NIV

7 In him we have redemption(A) through his blood,(B) the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches(C) of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he[a] made known to us the mystery(D) of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed(E) in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment(F)—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.(G)

11 In him we were also chosen,[b] having been predestined(H) according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose(I) of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.(J) 13 And you also were included in Christ(K) when you heard the message of truth,(L) the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,(M) the promised Holy Spirit,(N) 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance(O) until the redemption(P) of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.(Q)

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Footnotes
  1. Ephesians 1:9 Or us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he
  2. Ephesians 1:11 Or were made heirs
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

7 (A)In him we have (B)redemption (C)through his blood, (D)the forgiveness of our trespasses, (E)according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 (F)making known[a] to us the mystery of his will, (G)according to his purpose, which he (H)set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for (I)the fullness of time, (J)to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

11 In him we have obtained (K)an inheritance, (L)having been predestined (M)according to the purpose of him who works all things according to (N)the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be (O)to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard (P)the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, (Q)were sealed with the (R)promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is (S)the guarantee[b] of our (T)inheritance until (U)we acquire (V)possession of it,[c] (W)to the praise of his glory.

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Footnotes
  1. Ephesians 1:9 Or he lavished upon us in all wisdom and insight, making known…
  2. Ephesians 1:14 Or down payment
  3. Ephesians 1:14 Or until God redeems his possession
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. God's grace is lavished on us (7-1

)

Here, Paul continued with the spiritual blessings the Lord Jesus gives his people. He gave us redemption from our sins through his blood that was shed on the cross. This was all done in accordance with the riches of God's abundant grace, which He gives to all believers. Why? To make known the mystery of His will, whose basis is Christ Jesus. His will is that all things in heaven and on earth may be in unity under the head of Christ.

2. You also are included in Christ (11-14)

The words 'in him' are repeated throughout this passage. Christ is the center of God's plan. We are chosen 'in him'. We have been predestined 'in him'. We who have put our hope in him are for the praise of His glory. Who is 'in him'? All who hear the word of truth (the gospel) and believe that the gospel is our salvation. We who believe receive the mark of the Holy Spirit, who guarantees us an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven. We belong to God, for the praise of His glory!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for including me in Christ. Help me to live for the praise of your glory.

One Word: We are included in Christ