Ephesians 1:7–12 - 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight 9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him 10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Paul expresses awe at the redemptive grace we have in Christ. Jesus' sacrificial death liberates us from sin's penalty through the forgiveness available in Him (vv. 7-8). In addition, God graciously reveals His master plan for the future redemption of all creation under Christ's reign (vv. 9-10). One day, God will bring unity and renewal to heaven and earth when Jesus returns to rule and restore harmony. And those of us who were the first to hope in the Messiah now live as God's chosen people, appointed to reflect His glory to the world around us (vv. 11-12).
How can I apply Ephesians 1:7-12 to my life?
These verses overflow with praise for the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. Paul pours out adoration for the God who lavishes His people with redemption, wisdom, purpose, and a glorious inheritance. The magnificent wonders displayed in this passage should leave us awestruck! Of course, these truths are not merely fodder for theological debate. God did not inspire these words simply to inform us, but to transform us. We must take care that these riches move from our heads to our hearts to our hands and feet, that they become our identity in Christ. As we reflect on this profound glimpse of God's grace at work across the ages, let these promises refresh and embolden our love, faith, and hope. When discouragement or apathy threatens, we must revisit these truths of our Father's profound love and unmatched power. So, in reverent gratitude, let us live out these undeserved gifts we have in Jesus Christ. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Rejoice in the Redemption Through the Blood of Christ that We Have by His Amazing Grace (v. 7): Paul reminds us of the incredible gift of redemption we have through Jesus. Though we were trapped in slavery to our sin, Christ's sacrifice sets us free, releasing us from the penalty that our sins demanded. And He did it not because we were righteous or deserving, but purely out of His radical, relentless grace and mercy! Even while humanity wanted nothing to do with Him, even while we denied, rejected, and mocked Him, He still willingly bled and died to save us, to liberate us from sin's grip. For those who put their trust in Jesus, it means new life - freedom from guilt, purpose for today, hope for tomorrow. It means the heavy chains of condemnation and guilt are gone! We walk as new creations, called to honor Jesus who shed His blood for our redemption. Of course, it also means turning from sin and living each moment in light of the extreme price paid He paid. And it also means living each moment with a song of praise welling up inside, with hearts overflowing with thanksgiving for such lavish grace! (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Galatians 5:1)
Food for thought: What sins might you need to repent of today to walk fully in Christ's freedom? What could cultivating daily thankfulness for your redemption look like going forward?
2. Recognize God's Wisdom as He Reveals His Will for the Future to Us (vv. 8-10): In his kindness, God has chosen to reveal the mystery of the ages to us. Each day, God reveals more of the glorious future He is preparing for those who love Him. Scripture gives us glimpses through prophecies, visions, and promises of the coming day when all things in heaven and earth will unite under Christ's loving reign. These passages declare that one day the curse of sin will be no more, creation will be liberated from its groanings, and the turbulent chaos of this world will resolve into harmonious order under the leadership of the Prince of Peace. In His incredible wisdom, He will bring unity, justice and renewal to a fractured world! Though current circumstances seem bleak, these verses lift our gaze to the hope-filled vision of Revelation 21. When discouragement threatens to overwhelm in present tribulations, we can cling to God's promises of His purpose being worked out through the ages. The same God who spoke light out of darkness during creation can be trusted to bring His good and wise plans to completion! (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28; Isaiah 46:10)
Food for thought: How might focusing on God's overarching plan for the renewal of all things shape your perspective during difficult seasons of life? What are practical ways you can develop your understanding of biblical prophecies concerning the future and share this hope with others?
3. Live in the Inheritance We Have in Christ to the Praise of His Glory (vv. 11-12): God chose us who trust in Christ to be part of His people for a special purpose - to showcase His magnificent glory. What an honor! We, who were dead in sin, have been not only forgiven but also given a secure, eternal inheritance in God's kingdom as His beloved children. This extravagant bequest far surpasses any earthly riches we might seek after or imagine. And it is all because Jesus endured the Cross to make us co-heirs with Him! As we live immersed in the wonder of belonging to God, praise should constantly be on our lips. Our very lives become displays of His splendor as we reflect His character to the world. Of course, living worthy of our inheritance also requires saying no to the fleeting pleasures of sin which dim our testimony. What a privilege we have been given to shine the light of Christ in a dark world desperate for hope! May our inheritance in Christ overflow in acts of mercy towards others. Though we had no claim on God’s grace, while we were still dead in our sins, He made us alive in Christ! Therefore, we live as dearly loved, adopted children destined to radiate God's glory (Ephesians 2:4-7, 1 Peter 2:9-12; Matthew 5:16).
Food for thought: What are practical ways you can cultivate daily thanksgiving for your eternal inheritance? How can you shine the light and hope of Christ more brightly to those around you this week?
As we close our study today, may praise, gratitude, and hope rise within us! We have explored the spiritual inheritance lavished on us by our loving Father and faithful Savior. These gifts cultivated in our hearts bear fruit in a life lived for God's glory. Of course, living in light of these blessings is a process of daily surrender to Christ's leadership. But we do not strive in vain. The God who purposed from before time to redeem and adopt us will surely complete His good work. By His grace, may our tongues overflow with testimony of extravagant love that rescued rebels like us. May our hands reflect Christ's compassion to a hurting world. And may our hope in God's faithfulness anchor our souls through every storm.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would produce a heart of overflowing gratitude and praise in me for the redemption I have in Jesus. Empower me to turn from sin and walk in newness of life that honors Christ's sacrifice for me. Help me to better understand the magnificent wisdom of Your plans. I pray that You would shape me into a pure vessel that radiates the glory, beauty, and hope of Jesus to all those around me. Conform my thoughts, words, and actions to Your revealed will. I pray that You would help me to live out the astonishing identity I have in You.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Ephesians 1:7 – “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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