Redemption: Ephesians 1:7-8

Bible Exposition, Christian Living, Ephesians, Ephesians 1, Jesus Christ, Position in Christ, Redemption, salvation, Union to Christ, worship 4 Minutes

The following is a slighly edited version of a handout from a sermon preached at Pioneer Bible Church on March 27, 2022.

  1. What is redemption?
    • To redeem: to purchase from slavery in order to set the slave free
    • Redemption: Deliverance from slavery purchased on behalf of the slave
    • Consider Exodus 6:6 – God brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and set them free
    • We have been redeemed from slavery to sin. The price has been paid so we are free from the guilt of our sins and the penalty for our sins.
    • The price has been paid by way of the penalty being paid. This is not a payment to Satan. Satan only received judgement at the cross (Hebrews 2:14). God never pays Satan any price. The penalty deserved has been paid in full in Christ, and Satan has no say in the matter.
  2. Why do we need redemption?
    • We are all born slaves to sin (Psalm 51:5; Romans 6:17; Colossians 1:13-14)
    • We are all willing servants to sin and Satan before salvation (Galatians 4:9; Titus 3:3)
  3. Where is redemption to be found?
    • “in the beloved. In whom…”(KJV)/”In him”(ESV)/ In Christ (John 3:16; Romans 8:32)
    • In close relationship to Jesus Christ; in union to Him
    • In union to Jesus His work is credited to us. His death is our death, so that the death we deserve to die has already happened through our Substitute.
  4. How was redemption accomplished?
    • Through His blood – Jesus’ sacrificial and substitutionary death; He died in our/my place for our/my sin. He not only died, but His life was violently taken as a sacrifice. Ultimately, it was the Father crushing the Son for our sin (Isaiah 53:10). The Son willingly faced this punishment (Philippians 2:5-11).
    • Romans 5:9
    • Our sin was placed on Jesus Christ, and He died the death we deserve to die for our sins. (2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:10, 13 [quotation of Deuteronomy 27:26]; 1 Peter 2:24-25)
    • Jesus’ death was a penal substitutionary atonement:
      • A payment of a penalty – He died for sin (Penal)
      • A substitution – He died in our place, facing the penalty we deserve for our sins (Substitutary) – Isaiah 53:5-6
      • An Atonement – The wrath of God was satisfied in the death of Jesus, so there is no condemnation for those in Christ (Romans 8:1-4; 1 John 2:1-2)
  5. Why did this redemption have to be accomplished?
    • Sin is not only a condition, but it is a direct rebellion against God (trespass). God is just and must punish sin. God cannot simply overlook sin and let sinners go free.
    • The death of Jesus provides the means for God to forgive sinners and still be just. God has punished our sins in a substitute, so He may forgive us (Romans 3:26).
  6. Why did this redemption require that Jesus be slain?
    • Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death…” (Genesis 2:16-17).
    • Hebrews 9:22 – No forgiveness of sins without blood being shed
    • Jesus’ sacrifice was infinitely superior to the Old Testament sacrifices, because it was offered once and for all (Hebrews 9:22-28). Our High Priest offered His own blood!
  7. What did redemption accomplish?
    • Forgiveness of our trespasses
    • “Trespass” is an intentional act of rebellion – God has set boundaries, and we have gone over those boundary lines intentionally.
    • “Forgiveness” means “to send away;” Our trespasses have been sent away from us, so we are free from them.
    • This was accomplished by Jesus carrying our sins away on the cross (1 Peter 2:24).
    • Since our sin has been carried away in Christ on the cross, having been slain with Him, we are no longer in bondage to sin. We have been set free, because our sin has been sent away.
    • Colossians 2:13
  8. Why did God plan and accomplish this redemption?
    • The riches of His grace; God is wealthy in grace, and He loves to show favor to sinners.
    • According to the riches of His grace – This is not a little bit out of His riches, but it is equivalent to His riches.
    • The riches of God’s grace are so vast that He will continue to pour them out on us for all of the ages of eternity and never lose any of His supply (Ephesians 2:7) – “…immeasurable riches of his grace…” (ESV)
    • This was with all wisdom and insight – The plan was carried out in the best way possible, and not a bit of God’s grace was wasted.
  9. When is this redemption enjoyed and experienced?
    • RIGHT NOW – we HAVE redemption through His blood. The penalty for our sin has been paid, so we are already free from sin and guilt. We are not in slavery to sin any longer – we are set free!
    • Are you free? Is your trust in Jesus and the payment He paid for you at the cross? If not, trust in Him today. Realize your sinfulness and trust in Him to rescue you from the penalty you deserve for sin.
    • NOT YET – While we are free from the penalty and guilt of sin, we are not free from the presence of sin. Someday this will be our experience, because the Holy Spirit has sealed us for that day (Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30).
  10. Implication and Applications:
    • Praise – Context of Ephesians 1:3-14
    • We are free to serve God in the commandments given in Ephesians 4-6
    • We are expecting and eagerly anticipating the future experience of redemption – Freedom from the presence of sin! – AMEN! COME QUICKLY, LORD JESUS!
Published