“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
My Notes
What Does Ephesians 1:7 Mean?
Paul describes what believers possess in Christ: redemption through his blood and the forgiveness of sins. Both are according to the riches of his grace — measured not by your need but by his wealth.
Redemption (apolutrosis) means liberation through payment of a ransom. The price was blood — Christ's blood. The imagery is from the slave market: someone paid your freedom price, and the currency was a life.
Forgiveness (aphesis) means release, sending away. Your sins are not just pardoned. They are released — sent away, dismissed, no longer held against you.
"According to the riches of his grace" sets the measure. God does not forgive out of obligation or from a limited supply. He forgives according to his riches — which are inexhaustible. The forgiveness is proportional to God's wealth, not to your worthiness.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What does 'redemption through his blood' mean for the price of your freedom?
- 2.How does forgiveness 'according to the riches of his grace' change your fear of running out of grace?
- 3.Where are you still carrying guilt for sins that have already been forgiven?
- 4.What does it mean practically to live as a redeemed and forgiven person?
Devotional
In whom we have redemption through his blood. You have been bought. The price was not gold or silver. It was blood — the life of Christ poured out as your ransom. You were in bondage. He paid the price. You are free.
The forgiveness of sins. Your sins are not just acknowledged and tolerated. They are forgiven — released, sent away, no longer on the record. The debt has been canceled. The ledger has been cleared.
According to the riches of his grace. The forgiveness is measured by God's wealth, not by your need. If it were measured by need, it might run out. Measured by his riches, it is inexhaustible.
Riches. Not a modest supply carefully rationed. Riches — overflowing, abundant, more than enough. The grace that forgives you is rich. It does not run low. It does not thin out with repeated use. The supply is proportional to the character of the giver.
You have redemption. You have forgiveness. Both are yours — not because you earned them, but because someone rich in grace spent his blood to buy them for you.
Do you live as someone who has been redeemed and forgiven? Or are you still carrying debts that have already been paid?
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
In whom we have redemption through his blood,.... Redemption supposes captivity and slavery, and is a deliverance out of…
In whom we have redemption - On the meaning of the word here rendered “redemption” - (ἀπολύτρωσις apolutrōsis) - see…
In whom we have redemption - God has glorified his grace by giving us redemption by the blood of his Son, and this…
He begins with thanksgivings and praise, and enlarges with a great deal of fluency and copiousness of affection upon the…
Ascription of Praise, in view of the Election and Redemption of the Saints
3. Blessedbe the God, &c. The same…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture