“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1:7).
What a wonderful spiritual blessing is ours in Christ Jesus! “…redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins ….” A “ransom” or “deliverance” has been paid and provided in full on the cross of Christ for all who believe. “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole
world” (1 John 2:2). He died for the whole world. He died for all. And all may come! Do you believe?
Jesus became our sacrificial lamb. Forgiveness is given to those who believe. His forgiveness is so sufficient and so thorough that it’s as if you have never sinned. Think of that! His precious blood is so powerful and so affective that it continually cleanses us from all sin in our past, present, and future. Do you think of this great spiritual blessing that is ours to the full in Christ? Are you rejoicing in and praising the Lord Jesus Christ for His everlasting gift of mercy and grace? We do not deserve it, you know. But it’s ours.
At the annual atonement thousands of gallons of blood were sprinkled on the mercy seat by the Levitical priests but could never permanently atone for the sin of the people of Israel—once and for all time. “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins
:” (Hebrews 10:11). Every year the Israelites made the journey to have the priest’s offer sacrifice for their sins. And every year the offering could never take away their sins once and for all. This foreshadowed a better way. Jesus has come. He has bore the iniquities of us all. He has completely satisfied the just and holy requirement of God toward sin. In Christ you are sanctified once and for all! “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified
” (Hebrews 10:12-14).
What will you do with this great gift of grace? Will you float through this life lacking love for Christ? I am not asking us to devote ourselves to more holy standards, righteous disciplines, or godly rules. I am not encouraging us to “turn a new leaf” or make new resolutions. I am exhorting us to turn fully to Christ. Turn your heart to Him. Not religion. Not ceremony. Not sacrifice. To Jesus Christ! Believer, may our love for the Lord Jesus Christ constrain us to follow Him. May we long to know Him intimately, love Him sincerely, and follow Him faithfully.