In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7)
Redemption means deliverance from some evil by payment of a price. The enemy had taken us captive, to be released from the one who held us captive, a price had to be paid called a ransom, Christ's death was given as a ransom for many.
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
The Apostle Paul is writing to believers concerning the spiritual blessings they possess in Christ. Beginning in Ephesians 1:3, Paul declares that God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.
He proceeds to explain God's eternal purpose, His choosing of believers in Christ, their adoption as children, and their acceptance in the beloved.
Then, in verse 7, Paul reveals how those who were once under the dominion of sin have been brought into a new relationship with God.
Redemption is not merely a promise of something believers will receive in the future. Paul declares, "we have redemption." This is a present possession of those who are in Christ Jesus.
To understand the depth of this verse, we must examine its four principal expressions:
In whom we have redemption
Through his blood
The forgiveness of sins
According to the riches of his grace
I. "In Whom We Have Redemption"
The opening words, "In whom," refer to Jesus Christ, whom Paul identifies in the preceding verse as "the beloved."
What is redemption?
The Greek word translated redemption is apolytrōsis (ἀπολύτρωσις), Strong's G629.
It describes release or deliverance by means of a ransom. In the context of Ephesians 1:7, it emphasizes the liberation accomplished through the sacrificial death of Christ.
In the ancient world, the language of redemption could be associated with the release of someone from captivity or slavery through payment.
Paul employs this language to reveal the spiritual condition from which Christ has delivered believers.
Humanity's greatest bondage is not merely physical captivity. It is the bondage of sin and its consequences.
John 8:34 (KJV)
"Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."
Jesus identifies sin as a form of servitude. The person who practices sin is under its mastery.
Paul develops this truth further.
Romans 6:17–18 (KJV)
"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you."
"Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."
Notice the transformation. Those who were once servants of sin have been made free from its dominion and have become servants of righteousness.
Redemption does not mean that a believer is free to live independently of God. It means that the believer has been delivered from the dominion of sin to belong to Christ.
Spiritual insight
Redemption changes both our condition and our ownership.
Before redemption, humanity stood guilty before God and subject to the power of sin. Through Christ, believers are reconciled to God and called to walk in righteousness.
1 Corinthians 6:20 (KJV)
"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
The redeemed belong to the One who redeemed them.
II. "Through His Blood"
Paul now identifies the means by which redemption was accomplished.
It was not through human effort, religious observances, good works, or personal righteousness.
Redemption was accomplished through the blood of Jesus Christ.
Why was blood necessary?
To understand this expression, we must return to the Old Testament sacrificial system.
Leviticus 17:11 (KJV)
"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."
Under the Mosaic covenant, God appointed blood sacrifices as part of the system of atonement.
The blood represented life given in death. Its use upon the altar pointed to the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement.
However, the sacrifices offered under the law could not accomplish the complete and permanent removal of sin that Christ would accomplish.
Hebrews 10:4 (KJV)
"For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins."
The animal sacrifices were insufficient to remove sin completely. They belonged to a sacrificial system that anticipated the greater sacrifice of Christ.
Christ, the perfect sacrifice
1 Peter 1:18–19 (KJV)
"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;"
"But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:"
Peter contrasts earthly wealth with the precious blood of Christ.
Silver and gold cannot purchase spiritual redemption. No material possession can remove the guilt of sin.
The redemption of humanity required the sacrificial death of the sinless Son of God.
Christ was without blemish and without spot, meaning that He was morally pure and without sin.
Hebrews 9:12 (KJV)
"Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."
The word once is significant.
Christ's sacrifice was not something that needed to be repeated continually.
He obtained eternal redemption through His own blood.
Spiritual insight
The blood of Jesus Christ is not presented in Scripture as a religious symbol without substance. It speaks of His actual sacrificial death and the atoning work accomplished through that death.
The power of redemption rests in the person and completed work of Jesus Christ.
We were not redeemed because we deserved deliverance. We were redeemed because Christ gave Himself for us.
III. "The Forgiveness of Sins"
Paul connects redemption directly to the forgiveness of sins.
The Greek word translated forgiveness is aphesis (ἄφεσις), Strong's G859.
It carries the meaning of release, remission, or pardon.
The word translated sins in this verse is paraptōma (παράπτωμα), Strong's G3900, meaning trespasses, offenses, or transgressions.
The expression therefore concerns the forgiveness of offenses committed against God.
Sin creates guilt before God
Sin is not merely a mistake or an unfortunate human weakness. Scripture presents sin as transgression against God's righteous standard.
1 John 3:4 (KJV)
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law."
Because God is righteous, sin cannot simply be treated as though it has no moral consequence.
Yet, through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, God provides forgiveness.
Colossians 1:13–14 (KJV)
"Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:"
"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:"
Paul connects three important realities: deliverance from darkness, entrance into the kingdom of God's Son, and redemption accompanied by forgiveness.
Forgiveness is therefore part of a much greater work of salvation.
Forgiveness is more than overlooking sin
When God forgives sins through Christ, He does not declare that sin was insignificant.
Rather, forgiveness rests upon the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:24–25 (KJV)
"Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:"
"Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"
God's forgiveness is consistent with His righteousness because Christ has provided the sacrifice through which sin is dealt with.
Spiritual insight
There is an important distinction between redemption and forgiveness, although they are inseparably connected.
Redemption emphasizes deliverance from bondage through the ransom accomplished by Christ.
Forgiveness emphasizes the remission of our offenses and the removal of guilt before God.
In Christ, believers receive both.
We are not merely released from bondage while remaining condemned. We are forgiven and brought into a restored relationship with God.
IV. "According to the Riches of His Grace"
Paul concludes the verse by revealing the divine source and measure of these blessings.
Redemption and forgiveness are given "according to the riches of his grace."
What is grace?
The Greek word translated grace is charis (χάρις), Strong's G5485.
In the context of salvation, grace refers to God's freely bestowed favor and generosity toward those who cannot earn His saving blessings.
Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
"Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Salvation originates in the gracious purpose of God, not in the achievements of humanity.
Paul does not say that redemption is given according to the riches of our righteousness, our obedience, or our religious accomplishments.
He says it is according to the riches of His grace.
The significance of "according to"
The expression "according to" emphasizes that God's grace is the measure by which He has provided redemption and forgiveness.
Paul is not presenting God's grace as a limited resource.
He describes it as riches.
Ephesians 2:7 (KJV)
"That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."
God's grace reveals the abundance of His kindness toward those who are in Christ.
It is important, however, to understand that grace does not give believers permission to continue living under the dominion of sin.
Romans 6:1–2 (KJV)
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"
"God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?"
Grace not only brings forgiveness; it places believers in a new relationship with God, in which they are called to live according to His righteousness.
Spiritual insight
God's grace is not measured by humanity's worthiness.
It is revealed through the generosity of God in giving His Son for our redemption.
The riches of God's grace are demonstrated not by ignoring sin, but by providing redemption and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
V. The Relationship Between Redemption, Forgiveness, and Grace
These three truths must be understood together.
THE SOURCE
The Riches of God's Grace
God freely provides salvation through His Son.
THE MEANS
The Blood of Jesus Christ
His sacrificial death accomplishes our redemption.
Redemption
Deliverance from bondage through Christ.
Forgiveness
Remission of sins and release from guilt.
Grace is the divine source. The blood of Christ is the means. Redemption and forgiveness are blessings believers possess in Him.
VI. What Does Ephesians 1:7 Teach Us About Being in Christ?
The verse begins with the words "In whom."
This expression is essential because Paul does not describe redemption as a blessing that exists independently of Jesus Christ.
It is found in Him.
Throughout Ephesians chapter 1, Paul repeatedly uses expressions such as "in Christ," "in him," and "in whom."
These expressions reveal that the spiritual blessings of salvation are inseparably connected to union with Christ.
Consider the progression:
Ephesians 1:3: Believers are blessed with spiritual blessings in Christ.
Ephesians 1:4: God chose believers in Christ before the foundation of the world.
Ephesians 1:5: Believers are predestinated unto adoption by Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:6: Believers are accepted in the beloved.
Ephesians 1:7: In Christ, believers have redemption and forgiveness.
Paul is revealing the spiritual position and blessings of those who belong to Christ.
A present possession with a future completion
Although Ephesians 1:7 declares that believers presently have redemption, Paul also speaks of a future aspect of redemption.
Ephesians 1:13–14 (KJV) teaches that believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the earnest of their inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession.
Ephesians 4:30 (KJV) says:
"And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
There is no contradiction.
Through Christ, believers presently possess forgiveness and deliverance from sin's dominion. Yet they await the final consummation of redemption, including the resurrection and glorification of the body (Romans 8:23).
This distinction helps us understand redemption in its fullness.
VII. Personal Application — Living as the Redeemed
Ephesians 1:7 is not simply a doctrinal statement to memorize. It reveals truths that should transform the believer's daily walk.
A person who understands redemption recognizes that their life belongs to Jesus Christ.
A person who understands forgiveness no longer seeks to establish righteousness through personal merit but rests in the finished work of Christ.
A person who understands grace learns to walk in gratitude, humility, and obedience.
Consider these questions for personal reflection:
Do I understand redemption as deliverance from the dominion of sin, rather than merely forgiveness for past offenses?
How does knowing that Christ redeemed me through His blood influence the way I live?
Am I attempting to earn God's acceptance through my own works, or am I trusting in Jesus Christ?
Does my daily conduct reflect the new relationship with God that redemption has established?
How can I demonstrate gratitude for the riches of God's grace?
Conclusion — Redeemed, Forgiven, and Accepted in Christ
Ephesians 1:7 presents the glorious truth that salvation is the work of God accomplished through Jesus Christ.
Humanity could not purchase its own redemption. Religious works could not remove the guilt of sin. The sacrifices of the old covenant could not provide the eternal redemption that humanity needed.
But through the blood of Jesus Christ, God has provided redemption and forgiveness according to the riches of His grace.
The believer's confidence is therefore not in personal goodness, religious accomplishments, or human strength.
Our confidence rests in Jesus Christ.
We have redemption because Christ paid the price. We have forgiveness because His sacrifice dealt with our sins. We have these blessings because of the riches of God's grace.
And all of these blessings are found in Him.
Concluding Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the riches of Your grace and for the redemption You have provided through the precious blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Thank You for delivering us from the bondage of sin and granting us forgiveness through His sacrifice.
Father, open the eyes of our understanding that we may comprehend the depth of our redemption and the greatness of Your love toward us.
Teach us to walk as those who have been redeemed, no longer yielding ourselves to the dominion of sin, but presenting ourselves unto You as servants of righteousness.
May we never take lightly the precious blood of Jesus Christ, through which our redemption was accomplished.
Help us to grow in the knowledge of Your Word, to walk in holiness, and to glorify You in all that we do.
In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray.
Amen.
Key Scripture to Remember — Ephesians 1:7 (KJV)
"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"
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