Lesson 8

1:7 - 12 To the Praise of the Son

1:7 Redemption is the means of the blessing that flows from grace

The focus is on something that we continually have; its an ongoing reality for the believer; In Him we keep on having redemption!

Notice that the emphasis is still on what we have based on our position "in Him"

The object, what we continually have is "the redemption."

This is the redemption of which there is no other and which stands in solitary eminence.

In this short verse Paul is going to tell us several important things about redemption;

#1. What provides it or is the basis for it!

#2. One of the benefits of it!

#3. Its standard!

Redemption avpolu,trwsij one of several words used to teach what is involved with the doctrine of redemption.

- basic idea of this word group is to release;

- Our word here puts the emphasis on the fact of or the reality of the release, the deliverance from slavery; In other words what the ransom price bought and paid for! Our freedom in Christ!

And then the Why or what is the basis??

- When Paul uses it of believers, that is in terms of being redeemed; It's from what?? The penalty of sin!

On what basis?? Christ's death, His shed blood!

Observations on the use of avpolu,trwsij by Paul and its importance!

1. It is grounded solely in Christ, NO ONE else! Rom 3:24-25

2. Redemption is based so completely in Christ that the NT states it this way; not that He redeems only, but that He is redemption! 1 Cor 1:30

3. It is grounded specifically in His cross work! Eph 1:7

This phrase stating the basis of redemption makes it perfectly clear that it is His work, not our merit that is in view!

He was without spot and blemish; He was the sinless Son of God and He was judged in our place.

Jesus bore the penalty, became the substitutionary payment that satisfied the righteous claims of God upon the dead sinner, you and me!

4. Redemption and release in Christ has a future aspect! Eph 4:30; Rom 8:23

5. Complete success of this release is certain, it is guaranteed! Eph 1:14

Next the focus is on One of the benefits, the results of redemption; "the forgiveness of our transgressions,"

Redemption and forgiveness are inseparably linked.

1. Jesus expressed this fact Himself as He instituted the Lord's table. Mt 26:28

2. This is also seen in Col 1:14.

3. This link was also clearly pictured to Israel on the day of atonement;

1. forgiveness a;fesij; basic to leave, to separate; also to release and send away;

- The word a;fesij carries 3 basic nuances;

#1 to leave Mt 13:36

#2 it may be used in the legal sense as in divorce 1 Cor 7:11.

#3 it may mean to abandon as in Mt 26:56

- The idea that runs through them all is separation and distance.

In the context redemption and forgiveness linked together indicates that the we have in Christ release and separation from the sin that binds and enslaves us.

2. para,ptwma "trespasses"

* There are 3 important words in in Hebrew that are used to express the full range of sin; that is from God's viewpoint!

#1 aJ'x chatah; to fall short of the abs. moral standard.

#2 !A[ `awon; iniquity to twist the abs moral std. to deviate from it.

#3 [v;P, pesha` transgression; to revolt against the abs. moral std.

- idea with pesha` is to breech a relationship

3. The verb "we have" since it is in the present tense tells us clearly that this forgiveness is continual present reality in the life of the believer;

4. The basis, or How can God do it??

"according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us."

Over and over Paul is going to announce that we're rich; being in Christ; being the recipient of grace! Notice the other passages!

1:18; 2:4; 2:7; 3:8; 3:16

- Notice He gives not from the riches of His grace but according to the riches of His grace.