WordofGod#114

 

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 

Ephesians 1:6-7 — King James Bible

 

Redeemed

by Pastor Cornelius R. Stam

 

“We have redemption through His blood…” (Ephesians 1 :7).

Our English word “redeem” is actually a translation of three beautiful Greek words:

Agarazo: to buy at the market.

Ex-agarazo: to buy out of the market.

Lutro: to set free (upon receipt or payment of the ransom
price.)

It is the last of these that is used in Ephesians 1:7. The believer in Christ has liberty — purchased liberty — through Christ’s shed blood.

First we were “bought with a price” and “redeemed to God” (I Corinthians 6:20; Revelation 5:9). Further, we were “redeemed from the curse of the law” (Galatians 3:13). And now, best of all, we have been set gloriously free (Ephesians 1:7; Galatians 5:1).

Why not turn in your Bible to Ephesians 1:6-8 and read this brief passage thoughtfully to see the boundless generosity of God’s dealings with those who put their trust in Christ as their Savior.

“To the praise of the glory of His grace” God “hath made us accepted [or, hath engraced us] in the Beloved One, ” in whom we have, “redemption” and “the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us…”

Redeemed! Purchased out of the slave market of sin and the law — and set gloriously free! Does this foster loose, careless conduct? By no means! When our Lord had given a blind man his sight, He said to him: “Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole,” but the record hastens to add that he “followed Jesus in the way” (Mark 10:52).

Could anything be more natural? And could anything be more natural than a redeemed, liberated sinner longing to please and serve his divine Benefactor? The Apostle Paul expressed this well when he wrote, in II Corinthians 5:14: “The love of Christ constraineth us.”

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