“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,” – Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)
⛓️ From Chains to Freedom: The Power of Redemption
This verse brings us face-to-face with the cross. Having spoken of God’s eternal choosing, adopting, and accepting, Paul now reveals how all of this was made possible: “In Him we have redemption through His blood.”
Redemption is more than a theological term—it is a word drenched in hope. It means that we were enslaved by sin, but Jesus paid the price to set us free. And the price was not gold or silver—it was His blood.
📜 Word Study: Redemption (ἀπολύτρωσις, *apolutrōsis*)
The Greek word “apolutrōsis” means “to release by paying a ransom.” In Paul’s world, it was used in the context of freeing slaves. If someone paid a ransom, that slave could walk free—no longer bound, no longer owned by another.
Here, Paul declares that we have been redeemed—not by effort, not by religious acts, but by the blood of Christ. This is not theoretical. It’s real. Redemption is not something we hope to attain; it’s something we already possess: “we have redemption.”
✝️ Through His Blood
The cost of our redemption was the highest ever paid: the blood of Jesus. This phrase anchors us in the crucifixion, where Christ bore our sin, suffered in our place, and satisfied divine justice.
This was no mere symbolic act. The shedding of blood points to a life laid down. It fulfills the ancient pattern where blood was always required for atonement (Leviticus 17:11). From the sacrifices in the tabernacle to the Passover lamb in Egypt, all pointed forward to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
💧 The Forgiveness of Trespasses
What is the result of this redemption? Forgiveness. The word here means more than a pardon—it means the release of a debt. Our trespasses—every thought, word, and deed that crossed the line of God’s law—have been canceled.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean God ignores sin. It means the penalty has been fully paid. Justice has been satisfied. Mercy has triumphed. Your slate is clean—not because your sins weren’t serious, but because the blood of Jesus is greater.
🏆 According to the Riches of His Grace
Once again, Paul grounds everything in grace. This forgiveness is not according to your sorrow, your good behavior, or your promises to do better. It is “according to the riches of His grace.”
God is not stingy with grace. He is rich in it. He doesn’t forgive reluctantly. He forgives lavishly. He doesn’t ration mercy—He pours it out. The cross didn’t merely make forgiveness possible—it made it personal, complete, and eternally secure for those who are in Christ.
📣 What This Means for Us Today
1. You Are Already Redeemed
Redemption is not a future reward—it’s a present reality. If you are in Christ, you’ve already been bought back. You are no longer a slave to sin. You are free. Don’t live as if the chains still remain.
2. Your Sins Are Truly Forgiven
Every believer struggles at times with guilt and shame. But this verse reminds us that the blood of Jesus is enough. You don’t have to pay off your sin. You don’t have to punish yourself. You have forgiveness—full, final, and free.
3. God’s Grace Is Not Limited
Are you ever tempted to think you’ve exhausted God’s patience? This verse answers with clarity: you are forgiven according to the riches of His grace. And His grace has no limit. You haven’t out-sinned it. You can’t outrun it. You are held by it.
📣 Reflection and Application
- 🩸 Do I understand what it cost Jesus to redeem me?
- 📖 Am I living in the freedom of forgiveness—or still carrying shame I no longer need to bear?
- 💡 How can I offer grace and forgiveness to others the way I’ve received it?
🛐 Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for redeeming me with Your blood. Thank You that I am no longer a slave to sin, but a child of grace. Help me walk in the freedom You purchased for me. Help me believe that I am forgiven, fully and forever. Let my life reflect the richness of Your grace. In Your name I pray, amen.
📌 Coming Up Next
Ephesians 1:8–10 — What Is God’s Mysterious Plan?
In the next passage, Paul will unfold the beautiful truth of God’s will—to unite all things in Christ. We’ll explore the wisdom, insight, and eternal plan of God to restore what was broken and reveal what was hidden.