“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us” (Ephesians 1:7-8a).

Redemption was a concept established in the Old Testament. When someone lost his inheritance a relative with sufficient resources could buy it back for him. That’s what Jesus did for us. He bought back everything that was lost through sin. The price He paid was His own blood.

In addition, He has forgiven our sins. The word “forgiveness” literally means that He sends our sins away from us. Psalm 103:12 puts it this way, “As far as the east is removed from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”

We are redeemed and forgiven because of God’s grace. I love Paul’s expression, “grace that He lavished on us.” God’s grace isn’t given out in limited measures. He has “lavished” it on us in abundance. How can we describe this grace? John Newton captured grace in the song that has become a standard tribute to God’s love. “Amazing grace how sweet the sound….” This grace is, without question, amazing!