[This article was written by Robert A. Sochor.]
In Ephesians 1:3-10, salvation is described using very noble words and ideas, especially verse 7 which contains much information concerning the New Testament plan and need of salvation. Redemption through His blood presents the idea to buy back that which would otherwise be lost. It is central to the gospel — one might say it is the gospel. The purpose of the gospel is not to make the world better but to redeem some out of the world. Titus 2:14 shows we are redeemed by Christ to be a special, pure people zealous for good works. Christians are to consider redemption as most precious because of the great price paid for it (1 Peter 1:18,19). The spiritual blessings we have in high places (Ephesians 1:3) we have because of the blood of Christ (Revelation 5:9,10).
Forgiveness of sins is also mentioned in Ephesians 1:7. Forgiveness is defined as giving up resentment against or the desire to punish — to stop being angry with — also, to cancel or remit a debt (Webster). This idea is also central to the New Testament. It must be very special to the Christian (1 John 2:12). It must be central to gospel preaching (Acts 13:38) and based upon the work of Jesus and the terms of the gospel. The idea of pardon also helps describe forgiveness. We might think of a convicted prisoner who has no right by his or her own merit to be free again but is granted a pardon or forgiveness of the crime by one in authority, thus regaining freedom. Christians have forgiveness of sins through blood and by grace which make it quite important in light of Romans 6:23. In the affairs of men, forgiveness of crime or wrongdoing may or may not come with conditions. In the area of eternal salvation, forgiveness has very well defined conditions required in the gospel.
Ephesians 1 uses very eloquent terms to describe what God has done for our salvation. But there are some very common ideas today that undermine the teaching of this chapter and much of the New Testament. If we believe there is no such thing as sin or fail to see our works as transgressions before God, then we will never appreciate passages like Ephesians 1 which speak of redemption and forgiveness of sins. If sin does not exist or is really not so bad, then redemption (or the blood of Christ) has little meaning to us. If sin does not result in eternal loss (Romans 6:23), then why did Jesus die? It would have little or no significance to us. We cheapen the ideas of redemption and forgiveness by dismissing the idea of sin, and passages such as Ephesians 1 could be removed from the Bible and not be missed. It has been said that true understanding of sin and its consequences is the only way to fully understand and appreciate the grace of God, our salvation, and the price that was paid for it.
The same thing could be said for denying the idea of Judgment Day or that anyone could be lost eternally at that time. Some believe God will save all at the last day. The Bible is clear that there will be a day of judgment (Romans 14:10) and that some will be eternally lost that day (Matthew 25:46). If this is not true, then why would we ever need the blood of Christ? We would need redeeming from what and for what?
Our salvation is great and precious. Having a good Bible understanding of sin and eternal loss will help us understand what Christians have been blessed with in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3-10).
