Ephesians 1:7-12 "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (8) Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; (9) Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: (10) That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (11) In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: (12) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ."
I am using several verses of Scripture because Paul wrote long sentences. A few
days ago, we saw that 7 times in 11 verses, the spiritual blessings that are
listed are in Christ. It's very important to understand our position in Christ.
Every spiritual blessing is based upon and secured by the work of our Lord
Jesus Christ. Jesus declared His work was finished as He was drawing His last
breath. We must understand that Jesus did the work of salvation in order to
find proper assurance and the secured foundation of our faith. Either Jesus
finished it or He didn't. If He did not finish it, then His words were false.
But God cannot lie; therefore, we can find absolute assurance in the work of
redemption through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, the very Son of God. In
order for the work to be absolutely secure, the wisdom of God demanded that the
perfect sacrificial offering would be made by the Lamb of God. Remember the
words of Abraham to Isaac, "My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a
burnt offering." Yes, we know the immediate context of those words are
found in that ram that was caught in the thicket. Read Genesis chapter 22. But
the ultimate meaning of those words were found in Jesus offering Himself unto
the Father as a Lamb without blemish and without spot. The work had to be
perfect in order for God the Father to accept it as payment in full. Jesus
offered. The Father accepted. We were accepted in and through that offering of
righteous and holy blood as payment in full.
Because of this perfect work, we have been adopted into the
Family of God. As a member of God's family, we have received an inheritance
according to the purpose and perfect plan of God. Through that sacrificial
offering, the Father has gathered "... together in one all things in
Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him." This
tells me that the offering of Jesus went all the way back to the first man,
Adam, and shall be sufficient for all of God's people even unto the very last
one that shall be conceived. Yes, either Jesus paid it all or His death on the
cross was in vain. My trust is in the finished work of my blessed Saviour,
Jesus Christ. Tomorrow we will look at the thought of the work of Christ being
sealed and secured.
1 Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!
redeemed through His infinite mercy—
His child, and forever, I am.
Refrain:
Redeemed, redeemed,
redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!
Redeemed, redeemed–
His child and forever, I am.