(Eph 1:7) “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”  I don’t hear much today about “asking the Lord to forgive us”. If I offend someone, I do not expect them to automatically forgive me. I ask their forgiveness. This is the idea behind repentance. It is a change of attitude toward sin (I don’t wish to do this again) that leads me to ask the Lord’s forgiveness, thus not punishing me for that sin. He can rightly and justly do so because His Son paid for that sin on Calvary’s cross.

(Eph 1:7) “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”  Redemption – to be bought back. It is so easy to blame Adam and Eve for our predicament. But the truth is, I sold my soul to Satan through my willful act of sin. The Lord Jesus loves me so much, He was willing to purchase me back by paying the ultimate price – shedding His blood in my place!

(Eph 1:6) “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”  I have been saved now for 45 years. When I first came to the Lord Jesus I had nothing to offer but a sinful heart and mind. I was accepted in the beloved. Today I still have nothing to merit this great salvation. I stand still today accepted in the Beloved!

(Eph 1:6) “ To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”  Let the sin forgiven, born again Child of God give the Lord glory for His grace upon you! Grace – favor bestowed but not deserved. That is true of me and my life! Praise Him for His grace upon my life!

(Eph 1:5) “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”   We have each heard it said, “We (meaning every person in the world) are all God’s children.” Not so! The Lord Jesus said of the Jews, “Ye are your father the devil”. We are adopted into God’s family at the point of our salvation experience. The word, “adopted”, states by implication: “I was once not of His family, but He has brought me into it”! Praise His Name!

(Eph 1:5) “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,”  The predestination here is not referring to the individual, but to the means “by Jesus Christ” as verses 3 & 4 attest. The Lord desires each of us to respond to His act of sacrifice and love to the suffering and death of His Son. He never makes a person love Him. Do you? Will you?

(1Ti 1:2)  “Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.”  “Grace” – favor bestowed but not deserved; “Mercy” instead of what is deserved which is judgment; and “peace” with the One that was offended – God.