Sermon

“ 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he [a] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” (Ephesians 1:7-10)a

 Historical meaning: Process whereby slaves were purchased in order to be set free  Deliverance through payment of a ransom  Salvation and liberation We are enslaved by sin and guilt, and we are unable to liberate ourselves.

“Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins.” Hebrew 9:22  We have been redeemed – set free - by the blood of Christ  Requires faith in Christ  Are no longer held captive by past sin so we may live a new, better way of life in present and future

 “ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins ”  “IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, GOD IS FAITHFUL AND JUST TO FORGIVE US…” 1 John 1:9

A blotted life can be made beautiful and useful again through Christ

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us.  Grace can never be earned.  God’s grace comes in the form of forgiveness and fellowship in spite of our sinful pasts.  God pours blessings on top of that

“With all wisdom and understanding,”  Wisdom, insight, understanding  Ability to make better choices  Having God-inspired insight/judgment  Ex. Having good friends and influences, living a life of love and service instead of selfishness and materialism

 Sin = false promises  Proverbs 14:12 says, “THERE IS A WAY THAT SEEMS RIGHT TO MAN…. BUT IN THE END IT LEADS TO DEATH….”

 keeps us from living for the things that can’t satisfy and that don’t last  enables us to focus on the things in life that are most important, like our relationship with God, family and friends

1. Forgiveness 2. Grace 3. Discernment We have been liberated and saved by the blood of Christ!