< Back

Read: Ephesians 1:6-7
Listen: Ephesians 1

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7

Ephesus serves as a major center of trade in the Roman Empire. It is a hub for the slave trade. Some of the early believers who gather in house churches are slaves—legally considered property, owned by someone else. In this world, to redeem means purchasing someone out of slavery, claiming them as one’s own. Paul speaks to both slaves and masters in the Ephesian church and reminds them of a greater truth: regardless of their social status, all believers have been redeemed by Jesus’s blood. Christ paid the full price for their sin and released them from slavery to sin. Even if some remain physically enslaved, they are spiritually free.

This same truth applies to us. Apart from Christ, we are enslaved to sin—unable to free ourselves. But Jesus came to redeem us. Fully God and fully man, Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live. He took our place on the cross, died for our sins, and rose again three days later. His blood paid the full price for our redemption. To be redeemed is to be forgiven completely of past, present and future sin. Nothing we have done, nothing that has been done to us, is beyond the reach of his grace.

TODAY: Turn to Jesus. Confess your sin and receive his forgiveness and freedom. If you have never trusted Christ, today can be the day you place your faith in him.  If you want to learn more about who Jesus is and what it means to follow him, join our four-week “Explore Groups” that begin January 19. Find out more HERE.