There are very few words used in the Bible that are more important than the word ‘redemption’. The word used here by Paul is not one typically used with buying and selling. The Greek word is constructed from two primary words apó meaning ‘from’ and lutróō meaning ‘to redeem’. This Greek word is used only ten times in the New Testament (three times in this book alone). It was commonly used to refer to a slave being freed by the paying of a ransom. Understanding that we were once slaves to sin and have since been redeemed by God, through the ransom payment of Jesus’ death and victory on the cross is important to remember as we belong to Him.
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 upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Before we can explore these verses we may need to ask, Is there anyone who is free from the effects of sin without redemption? No one past, present or future is free from the condemnation that results from being a sinner. Jesus is the only one that will ever live a perfect life. For the rest of humanity, we are all slaves to sin (see John 8:34); Paul tells us that no one is righteous (see Romans 3:10) and that the wages of sin is death (see Romans 6:23). Ezekiel also reminds us that all sinners die (see Ezekiel 18:4).
In these verses Paul identifies five primary elements of redemption: 1) The redeemer - Jesus Christ (verse seven); 2) The redeemed - All Christians (verse seven); 3) The price of redemption - The blood of Jesus (verse seven); 4) The results of redemption - Forgiveness, wisdom and insight (verse seven) and 5) The purpose of redemption - To unite all things in Jesus (verse ten).
The Greek word Paul used in verse seven that is translated here as ‘grace’ is cháris, which can be found 154 times, in the New Testament (12 times in Ephesians). It is derived from the word chaírō meaning, “to rejoice” and it is most often translated as ‘grace’, a favor that brings great joy. As Christians when we received grace, the Holy Spirit renewed us and transformed us, all possible because Jesus redeemed us. One way to remember this is through the acronym G.R.A.C.E. “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” The concept of grace will be further expanded in chapter eight. Meanwhile, how can we earn or deserve grace? There is absolutely no way for us to earn God’s grace, we cannot earn nor do we deserve grace. The good news is that it is a free gift of God! (read Ephesians 2:8-9)
Paul tells us that God’s grace increases as our sin increases. Meaning there is no end to God’s grace (read Romans 5:20-21), regardless of who we are or what our situation is, which is really good news! Paul uses the phrase, “according to the riches of his grace,” (again the Greek word ‘kata’) this once again emphasizes that there is no limit to God’s grace.
Many religions and Christian groups have difficulty in accepting the fact that Jesus did all the work for our salvation. We do not need to add anything or do something other than accept His gift (read Ephesians 2:8-9 and Colossians 2:13-14). Jesus’ blood provides all (yes, that means 100%) that we need for salvation. As Paul said God has “forgiven us all our trespasses.” (Colossians 2:13c, ESV, emphasis added) Since there is nothing we can provide, it could be considered heretical to even think we could offer something or do something that could aid in our salvation.
The gift of grace includes the Holy Spirit teaching us God’s wisdom, an understanding that is contrary and is in contrast to the world’s wisdom (the Bible teaches many contrasts, however the greatest contrast is the difference between God’s wisdom and the world’s wisdom). He also grants us insight of those things that are of a spiritual nature (see also 1 Corinthians 2:6-7, 12-13).
Everyone loves a good mystery, but that is not what Paul is referring to here. The mystery Paul refers to is something that was not previously revealed. The mystery of God’s will would include, but not limited to, revealing God’s plan to bless mankind through Jesus Christ and the formation of the church.
We see that redemption was not just a New Testament concept. God set up the process of redemption shortly after the fall of man (Genesis chapter 3). It was later written down and given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus chapters 19-23). That is when a priesthood was formed, per God’s instructions, to oversee an elaborate process of animal sacrifice and other protocols. The priesthood was the centerpiece of the Israelite community as they dispensed financial, medical, dietary and spiritual guidance. They also provided oversight of all festivals, celebrations and sacrifices, all under watchful eye of the Chief Priest. God provided very strict rules and protocols to follow and it was up to the Chief Priest to assure that they were followed.
As part of that system of rules and protocols regarding the shedding and offering of innocent blood it was to be used as an atonement (a covering) for sin (Leviticus chapters 1-7). There was one day per year designated as the “Day of Atonement” (Yom Kippur) where the High Priest was allowed to enter “the Most Holy Place” (initially in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple) in order to sprinkle the appropriate sacrificial blood on to the Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat (Leviticus chapter 16) as God required, as a ransom for the forgiveness of sins. However, since this process was only temporary the ritual had to be repeated every year.
The author of Hebrews provides an informative comparison between the Old Testament redemption process and the New Testament redemption process along with an excellent synopsis of why the new process is superior (provided below).
"1 For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? 3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; 6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’ ” 8 When he said above, “You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings” (these are offered according to the law), 9 then he added, “Behold, I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first in order to establish the second. 10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, 13 waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. 14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. 15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, 16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” 17 then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” 18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin." (Hebrews 10:1-18, ESV)
The Law, which reminds us that we are sinners, was never changed and will never be changed. Jesus clearly stated, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17, ESV) Jesus willingly lived a sinless life, suffered, died and then rose again so that the Law would be fulfilled, offering each of us salvation. Since Jesus lives forever, His blood remains our atonement for all eternity (so there is no need to repeat the process). The big difference between the Old Testament redemption and the New Testament redemption is that we can be saved (see Acts 13:39; Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16; 3:11). There would be no chance for any of us if the New Testament offer of redemption was not available.
Here in verse 10, Paul refers to, “a plan for the fullness of time,” the ‘plan’ that Paul is referring to can be summarized as the plan to return all things to the way everything was before the fall of man occurred. This includes the arrival of Jesus to die for our sins, the formation of the church and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, all occurring in God’s perfect timing, as well as the yet future second coming of Jesus. All ultimately culminating in bringing everyone together in Christ. Here the “fullness of time” refers to everything being done and completed at the appropriate time knowing that God will do everything exactly as He promised.
Paul then tells us that the purpose of God’s plan of redemption is, “to unite all things in Him,” (see also Philippians 2:10-11; Hebrews 1:8-13). That phrase refers to a time yet future when every knee will bow in heaven and on earth (as well as under the earth, those that are dead in Hades) before Jesus and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. The Book of Revelation talks about a time when Satan will be defeated (see Revelation 20:7-10), the Great White Throne judgment (see Revelation 20:11-15) and the introduction of a new earth and a new heaven (see Revelation chapter 21) all resulting in us living with Jesus forever. “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3b-4, ESV)
What should our attitude be in response to His redemption of us? (read Philippians 2:5-11) Our attitudes should be that of praise, obedience and profess Him as our Lord and Savior!