photo #4003893

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace --- Ephesians 1:7 NKJV To speak of Jesus’ blood was an important first-century way of speaking of Christ’s death. His death points to two wonderful truths---redemption and forgiveness. Redemption was the price paid to gain freedom for a slave (Leviticus 25:47-54). Through his death, Jesus paid the price to release us from slavery to sin. Forgiveness was granted in Old Testament times on the basis of the shedding of animals’ blood (Leviticus 17:11). Now we are forgiven on the basis of the shedding of Jesus’ blood---he died as the perfect and final sacrifice (see also Romans 5:9; Ephesians 2:13; Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 1:19). --- Life Application Study Bible notes PRAYER Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your grace of the redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses that You lavished upon us. We rejoice in the fact that all our sins are gone, covered by the blood of Jesus. Thank You for letting us live free. Don’t let me forget the cost of my sin but let me live grateful. Help me to live for Your glory in appreciation of Your grace. Teach me to be an example of redemption and unity as I seek to love others as You do. In Jesus’ name, Amen