in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7 WEB

These words about Jesus concerning the riches of his grace come to us from Paul’s praises of God and the Lord, Jesus Christ, in the opening of his letter to the Ephesian church. After greeting the church, Paul praises God for the spiritual blessings he gives to those with faith in Christ. Among these blessings are adoption into God’s holy family, redemption through the blood of Jesus, and forgiveness of sins according to the richness of his grace.

Paul also mentions the blessings of wisdom, understanding, and the promise of unity with God in the kingdom of heaven. In addition, God blesses us with insight into his purpose for the life, death, and resurrection of our Savior.  

In Jesus, God reveals his love for mankind. As we read in John 3:16, ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. WEB”

Eternal Life Through Jesus Christ

The blood of Christ redeems us to the holiness of God. Our God is righteous and holy. Nothing corrupt or sinful is allowed in his presence. Therefore, to experience eternity in heaven, we must be cleansed from sin. Sin is so offensive to God that he punishes sinful acts with death. As we read in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. KJV” 

Jesus redeemed man to God through the shedding of his blood on the cross. He died to pay the price for our sins. When we place our faith in him, we receive forgiveness of sin from God according to the riches of his grace. In other words, Jesus took on the sin of the world and died in our place on the cross. This is why Jesus says in John 19:30, “It is finished.” These words come from a Greek term literally meaning, “paid in full.”

Yesterday’s Devotional: Peace Be With You