January 18, 2023: I Am Redeemed! Through His Blood

“In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7, ESV)

The word redemption comes from the Greek word ‘luo.’ It means to loose, and is used for release from prison and opening what is closed. With the preposition ‘apo’ in front of the word, it means to loose with a ransom. Hell had you locked up, and it threw away the key. Yet Jesus had the keys to death, hell, and the grave. He purchased our redemption! And, He set us free!  Salvation is a free gift offered to humanity by God. But it cost Jesus His very life and blood! (Thirty-nine lashes, crown of thorns, three nails, speared side, and brutal beating. All His blood.) This is why Paul wrote the Ephesians saying, “we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sin according to the riches of His grace!’  

Jesus did not pay off the devil. He satisfied the justice of God that had to punish our sins with His own blood. Jesus, in paying the price of our redemption, suffered and died in our place. And by faith in Him, our sins are forgiven, and we are free!

As your receive communion, remember, “This was His work!” The Father paid the price by sending His perfect Son. Love motivated the Father to send the Son. And love motivated the Son to die—for you and for me! Oh, the riches of His grace