Love God Greatly - Secure in Christ: One Faith, One Family, One SaviorNäide

Week 1 / Chosen and Redeemed

Stories of Redemption

Read: Ephesians 1:7-10

SOAP: Ephesians 1:7-8

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our offenses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us in all wisdom and insight." (NET)

Into the Text

There’s a reason we are all drawn to stories of redemption. Whether it’s a villain choosing kindness or sacrificing himself for someone else, a tragic situation being used for good, or enemies turning into friends, we want to cheer for good to prevail and to know that there’s hope for change.

Paul writes in Ephesians 1:7-10 that we who have trusted in Jesus have redemption through Jesus’ blood. Notice the difference between what Paul writes and the redemption we commonly see in movies and books. In the secular world, redemption occurs when an individual accomplishes something or does something good. This is not so for those who are in Christ. We don’t have to do anything to receive redemption. We simply have to recognize our sin and trust in Jesus. He is the one who accomplishes our redemption.

We are not the heroes of the story. Jesus is. We are merely recipients of His lavish grace. And what’s more, Paul tells us that our redemption is part of God’s bigger plan for His creation. One day, Jesus will return as the forever king. When this happens, all who have placed their faith in Him will be united together under His leadership.

It is the greatest story of redemption ever known. No matter where you are today, you can receive the redemption found through Jesus. It is not something you have to earn but a lavish gift of grace from our Heavenly Father.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for your sacrificial life and the redemption you freely give to all who trust in you. I long for the day when you will return to make all things new and rule as the perfect king forever. Amen.