TIME WITH INSPIRE. The Riches of Your Freedom
- Inspire Global Outreach
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,(NIV)
Ephesians 1:7 is a profound and central statement about the benefits believers receive through Jesus Christ.
Paul begins this great letter to the Ephesians by detailing the incredible spiritual treasures we possess in Christ. If you are a believer, you are not spiritually poor; you are exceedingly rich. And the centerpiece of these riches is found in verse 7, which gives us three magnificent truths about our freedom. This verse is the heart of the Gospel in a single sentence.
I. The reality of Our Freedom: We Have Redemption.
The first truth is: “In him we have redemption.”
What is Redemption? The Greek word means "to buy back" or "to set free by paying a ransom." It's a marketplace term. Imagine a slave being purchased and immediately released—that's redemption.
Our Former State: Before Christ, we were slaves—slaves to sin, slaves to guilt, and slaves to the fear of death. We were bound and could not free ourselves.
Our Present Reality: Notice the word "have." It's not "we might get" or "we hope to receive." It’s a settled, present possession. If you are in Christ, you have been bought back. You are a free person, liberated from the bondage of sin’s penalty.
II. The Price of Our Freedom: Through His Blood
The second truth explains the cost: “through his blood.”
Freedom always comes at a price. In this case, the ransom was not gold, silver, or good deeds. The price was the very life of the Son of God.
The Substitute: Christ's blood is the ultimate expression of substitutionary sacrifice. He stepped in and took the judgment and death we deserved.
The Finality: His sacrifice was not a down payment; it was a total, once-for-all transaction. No further payment is needed, and no one can re-enslave those whom Christ has purchased. The price was paid in full. This is the solid foundation of your faith.
III. The Measure of Our Freedom: According to the Riches of His Grace
The final truth highlights the motive and the measure: “the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”
The Specific Benefit: The clearest result of our redemption is the "forgiveness of our trespasses." The record of our violations against God's law has been wiped clean. It’s not just forgotten; it’s forgiven—cancelled completely.
The Limitless Measure: How much grace did it take to forgive you and me? Paul says it was not out of His grace, but according to the riches of it.
Think of a billionaire paying a thousand-dollar debt. He doesn’t pay it out of his wealth, he pays it according to the abundance of it. God’s grace is inexhaustible, limitless, and far exceeds the vastness of our sin. He gives you not just what is necessary, but a surplus of pardon and favor.
Conclusion: A Call to Live Free
This verse assures us of three things:
You are free (Redemption).
You are clean (Forgiveness through His Blood).
Your spiritual bank account is overflowing (The Riches of His Grace).
If you possess this redemption, then you are called to live like it. Live with gratitude for the price paid, walk in the confidence of full pardon, and share this amazing, rich grace with a world still living in bondage. If you have never received this freedom, the cost has already been paid for you. Believe in Jesus and receive the riches of His grace today.
Now let's share this prayer;
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for the incredible reality of redemption that we have in Christ Jesus.
Thank you that our freedom was purchased through His blood, a sacrifice so perfect and costly that it set us free forever. We confess our trespasses and rejoice that they are not just overlooked, but fully forgiven.
Lord, we stand in awe of the riches of Your grace. Let us not take this gift lightly, but live today in the joy and confidence of being Your forgiven and redeemed children.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Redemption 🙏🏾🥹