Redeemed and Sealed in Christ
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Have you ever talked to a child about doing a task, and when you followed up with him or her, it had completely slipped their mind? As an authority figure, that’s the moment of truth. Did they truly not know or understand or remember the task, or was it willful rebellion? The Bible paints a picture that is used in Ephesians 1 that we are all in active rebellion against God until we positively respond to His call on our life.
Ephesians 1:7–14 (ESV)
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Review:
Ephesians was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus with the arrangement of chapters 1-3 being about doctrine and 4-6 being application of that doctrine. The aim of the entire book is cosmic reconciliation and unity.
Slave to sin
John 8:34 “34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.”
Romans 6:6 “6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”
Romans 3:9–12 “9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.””
Ephesians 1:7 “7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,”
1 Corinthians 1:30 “30 And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,”
In Christ we have been ransomed from Sin
Leviticus 17:11 “11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.”
life for life. Blood is the required payment
Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
1 Peter 1:19 “19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”
Saved with a price. Is the blood of Jesus Precious to you?
Trespasses in verse 7 is the same word translated from the Hebrew 22 times in the Old Testament that denotes an intentional turning away from God, not simply a passive misunderstanding.
Ezekiel 14:11 “11 that the house of Israel may no more go astray from me, nor defile themselves anymore with all their transgressions, but that they may be my people and I may be their God, declares the Lord God.””
“Redemption is the cause and forgiveness is the effect. God is not lenient with sin because sin had to be paid in order for the sinner to be set free. The effect of this payment is the cancellation of or release from all the obligations caused by sin. Christ in his sacrificial death has taken the punishment for us. The supreme sacrifice of Christ clearly shows that God does not take sin lightly.”
Ephesians 1:8–10 “8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.”
Paul now is going to discuss God’s grace that is given to enable believers to understand his will. This is divided into three parts: its provision (v. 8), its manner (v. 9), and its goal (v. 10).
Provision is grace (v 8)
In Christ and by His
Unto the dispensation of the fullness of times.
cf. 1 Cor. 15:27; Col. 1:20).
When I understand that salvation is not for my Glory, but for God's, the need for me to have freedom to choose is secondary to God glorifying Himself for His good pleasure.