TEXT: EPHESIANS 1:7 (read vv 1-14)
READING: PSALM 103
SUBJ: Redemption and forgiveness as the possession of believers in Christ.
AIM: That we should not hesitate to take ownership of that which is given us in Christ both in profession and life.
INTR: While we are often said to possess things, including spiritual gifts, abilities and awareness; we also possess redemption and all that accrues to it according to this text.
1. From time to time we should reflect on this passage and the transitions from thought to thought as we contemplate the fullness of salvation in Christ.
2. We note for this message the transition from accepted in the beloved to redemption as the condition of acceptance.
3. But, consider the right of redemption as it is illustrated in the near-kinsman in Ruth 6:6ff and note the parallels.
THESIS: By virtue of redemption, we possess standing with God. By virtue of forgiveness we have peace with God.
I. We have (possess) redemption
1. We must have been redeemed (ransomed) from something
1) From sin, its bondage (Romans 6) and its guilt.
2) From Satan and his power: Hebrews 2:14-15 14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
3) From the Law and its condemnation (Romans 8:1ff)
4) Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (Galatians 1:4)
5) From the curse and we are reminded of Him who was made a curse for us.
2. Consider for a moment the dominion of sin and the encouragement of Paul in saying "sin shall not have dominion over you."
3. The claim of the world ("if ye were of the world...")
4. We have! Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)
5. Consider redemption as an action wherein we are brought into a right standing with God - justified and a state in being now free to serve Him.
6. Consider Paul asserting his rights as a Roman citizen.
7. We possess heavenly citizenship with all the rights to all that Christ has inherited and even access to the very throne of God - These rights are given that they may be exercises and God is honored in the process. How shall we not endeavor to display that which is given us at so great a price?
II. The forgiveness of sins
1. Must be seen as the result of redemption but not the same thing.
2. Forgiveness is apprehended by God-given faith
1) It is the application of the knowledge that redemption has taken place
2) It communicates to us "peace with God."
3. Consider then:
1) Psalms 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. - sent away an infinite distance as in East from West
2) Micah 7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
3) Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. AND Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. (not in order to be redeemed)
4) Consider also: John 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
5) But especially: Acts 13:38-39 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
III. According to the Riches of His grace
1. Riches tend to be thought of as the multitude of blessings, but it is especially that He had the price of redemption.
2. Consider that God paid the ransom to Himself.
1) His Son in His exquisite person
2) The life of His Son as perfect in every way (not merely showing that it could be done. It had to be paid out.)
3) The very soul of His Son was made an offering for sin.
3. There is no money or price that we can pay.
