Blessings from God the Son (Part 1)
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Introduction
As I read our texts, the more that I see why this epistle is considered the most beautiful letter and the most beautiful word that have ever been written by any human being. The blessings from God the Father is enormous and unbelievable. The blessings from the Lord Jesus Christ is another which is of utmost importance. Actually, it’s the trinity working in unity which makes this chapter a very special, unique, and fantastic chapter in the New Testament. In this topic, I will put more emphasis about the Blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
I. Christ redeemed us (Eph. 1:7)
A. Redemption means bought and released, describing the act of buying a slave from the market in order to give him freedom.
B. There are three Greek words translated “redemption” which give a wonderful picture of our salvation in Christ:
1. Agorazo means to purchase in a market. This word is used in a general sense in M.t 13:44,46; 27:7; Lk. 14:18-19. In reference to salvation, agorazo is used in 1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23; 2 Pet. 2:1; Rev. 5:9 and Rev. 14:2-3. Agorazo pictures the Lord Jesus Christ paying the awful price required by our sin. Jesus Christ came into the slave market of this fallen world and paid the full price to redeem men by His blood and death.
2. Exagorazo means to buy out of the market, to rescue from loss. Jesus paid the purchase price, He completely removed the believing sinner from the position of condemnation and from Satan’s dominion.
3. Lutroo means to loose, to set free. The emphasis of this word is that God gives to the believer day-to-day victory over sin, Satan, and the world. We are purchased, brought out, and released to a life of spiritual freedom in Christ. Lutroo is used in Tit. 2:14; 1 Pet. 1:18 and Heb. 9:12.
Illustration: Marred Hands Settled the Issue
The price Jesus paid for our redemption was terrible indeed. When we think of the extreme suffering He endured to purchase our freedom from sin’s penalty, our hearts should overflow with love for Him. Leslie B. Flynn told a story that illustrates this truth.
An orphaned boy was living with his grandmother when their house caught fire. The grandmother, trying to get upstairs to rescue the boy, perished in the flames. The boy’s cries for help were finally answered by a man who climbed an iron drainpipe and came back down with the boy hanging tightly to his neck.
Several weeks later, a public hearing was held to determine who would receive custody of the child. A farmer, a teacher, and the town’s wealthiest citizen all gave the reasons they felt they should be chosen to give the boy a home. But as they talked, the lad’s eyes remained focused on the floor. Then a stranger walked to the front and slowly took his hands from his pockets, revealing severe scars on them. As the crowd gasped, the boy cried out in recognition. This was the man who had saved his life. His hands had been burned when he climbed the hot pipe. With a leap the boy threw
his arms around the man’s neck and held on for dear life. The other men silently walked away, leaving the boy and his rescuer alone. Those marred hands had settled the issue.
Many voices are calling for our attention. Among them is the One whose nail-pierced hands remind us that He has rescued us from sin and its deadly consequences. To Him belongs our love and devotion. -D.C.E. Our Daily Bread, December 26
C. Christ redeemed us “through his blood” (Eph. 1:7b)
1. The price of redemption is the blood of God’s only begotten son.
2. Christ shed His blood on the cross to redeem us.
3. Jesus’ death alone could not save us; His blood was required. In Rom. 5:9-10 we see the two together. Verse 9 says we are justified “by his blood,” and v. 10 says we are reconciled “by his death.”
4. Many Pastors and churches doesn’t preach about the Blood of Jesus Christ. The mention of blood for them is repugnant. They want their salvation to be “bloodless”, without realizing that Christ’s blood represents judgment, the judgment for our sins while Christ was bearing them on the Cross.
5. Famous preacher like John MacArthur doesn’t believe in blood atonement (salvation through the blood as written in Rom. 3:24-25). He believed that the word blood is substitute to the death of Christ. (Heb. 9:14). I hope he will change his position.
6. New Bible Versions removed the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ . For NIV users, check Col. 1:14, “through his blood” is out or in italics. Why?
7. Today’s English Version by the American Bible Society. The blood of the Lord Jesus is omitted 15 times. See Matt. 27:4,24,25; Acts 5:28, 20:28; Rom. 3:25, 5:9; Eph. 1:7, 2:13; Col. 1:14,20; Heb. 10:19; I Pet. 1:19; Rev. 1:5, 5:9. This is very serious and dangerous. Does Satan had something to do with this because Christ’s blood gives us victory over him? (Rev. 12:11)
8. What Jesus’ blood does for the believer:
a. Justifies – Rom. 5:9
b. Unifies – 1 Cor. 10:16
c. Provides eternal redemption and forgiveness – Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Heb. 9:12),
d. Brings us near to God – Eph. 2:13
e. grants peace – Col. 1:20
f. Purges our conscience – Heb. 9; 13:25
g. Grants access into God’s presence – Heb. 10:19
h. Sanctifies – Heb. 13:12
i. Cleanses from all sin – 1 Jn. 1:7
j. Frees from sins – Rev. 1:5
k. Gives victory over Satan – Rev. 12:11.
9. In the New Testament, there are 290 references to the love of God, 290 times when God had declared His love for man. But in the same chapters and the same verses there are more than 1,300 references to the atonement, 1300 assurances that salvation can be had through the blood of Christ.
10. The Blood of Christ is one of the seven items found in Heaven. The listed items are written in Hebrews 12:22-24, they are :
a. The city of the living God.
b. An innumerable company of angels.
c. The church of the firstborn.
d. God, the judge of all.
e. The spirits of just men made perfect.
f. Jesus.
g. The blood of sprinkling.
Illustration: Nothing But The Blood
At a great parliament of religions, held in Chicago many years ago, practically every known religion was represented.
During one session, Dr. Joseph Cook, of Boston, suddenly rose and said: “Gentlemen, I beg to introduce to you a woman with a great sorrow. Bloodstains are on her hands, and nothing she has tried will remove them. The blood is that of murder. She has been driven to desperation in her distress. Is there anything in your religion that will remove her sin and give her peace?” A hush fell upon the gathering. Not one of the company replied.
Raising his eyes heavenwards, Dr. Cook then cried out, “John, can you tell this woman how to get rid of her awful sin?” The great preacher waited, as if listening for a reply. Suddenly he cried, “Listen. John speaks: ‘The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sins’ (1 John 1:7).”
Not a soul broke the silence: the representatives of Eastern religions and Western cults sat dumb. In the face of human need, the Gospel of Jesus Christ alone could meet the need. The sin of the race demanded the blood of Calvary. Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations: Signs of the Times.
II. Conclusion:
Salvation is free gift but It cost the Father the death of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ. His blood was shed so that He can redeem us. The blood of Christ is a very important Bible Doctrine but was now being set aside in favour of health, wealth, and prosperity. Join us again next week and see more blessings from God the Son
