Redeemed by Grace ... Unpacking the Message of Verse Ephesians 1:7

Anthony Speciale
Apr 23
5 min read

Greetings,

Redeemed by Grace

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

Unpacking the Message of Verse Ephesians 1:7

Ephesians 1:7 is a deeply profound verse that speaks to the very heart of the Christian faith: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace." These words are not only theological in nature, but they are also intensely personal and transformative. They remind us not just of what has happened for us, but who we now are because of it.

Let’s begin with the phrase “In him…”—those two simple words are the gateway to understanding the believer’s identity. Everything that follows hinges on being in Christ. Not adjacent to Him, not merely aware of Him, but united with Him. Paul uses this phrase “in Christ” throughout his letters to indicate the believer’s spiritual position. It tells us where we stand—not in condemnation, not in separation, but in unity and security through the finished work of Jesus.

Then Paul says, “we have redemption through his blood…”—this is not theoretical or potential; it’s a present reality for the believer. The word "redemption" carries the idea of liberation, of being set free, especially from bondage. In biblical times, this term would have evoked images of slaves being bought out of their chains and set free. Spiritually, we were enslaved to sin, unable to liberate ourselves. The price for our freedom was not silver or gold, but something far more valuable—the blood of Jesus. His sacrifice was the currency of our redemption.

Now consider the word “blood”—a reference that might feel heavy or even uncomfortable, but it’s central to understanding the gospel. The shedding of blood in the Old Testament—through sacrifices—was always a symbol of atonement, a temporary covering for sin. But Hebrews 9:12 tells us that Jesus did not enter by the means of the blood of goats and calves but “by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.” His was the final, perfect sacrifice that didn’t just cover sin, but removed it.

The Speciale Foundation

Maximal Productivity Accompanied By The Utmost Generosity

Worshiping Jesus ✝️ Loving People ❤️ Serving Others

The Speciale Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to serving others in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rooted in faith and guided by His teachings, our mission is to restore hope, uphold personal dignity, and empower individuals by meeting their basic needs.

We are committed to providing essential resources, compassionate support, and practical solutions to those facing hardships.

By fostering a spirit of love, service, and community, we strive to help individuals reclaim their sense of worth and pursue lives filled with purpose and pride.

Through Christ-centered action and unwavering dedication, The Speciale Foundation seeks to be a beacon of light, transforming lives and glorifying God through every act of service.

Your one time or monthly reoccurring tax deductible donation will be

100% employed to directly serving others in the name of our

Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - Thank You and God Bless!

Support Foundation Efforts

NOTE: Charity founders will match your one time

and/or monthly reoccurring donations, Dollar for Dollar.

Paul then continues, “the forgiveness of sins…” Redemption and forgiveness are closely linked, but forgiveness goes even deeper into the personal realm. Redemption liberates us from slavery, and forgiveness cleanses us from guilt. Forgiveness means we are no longer held accountable for the debt of our sin; it has been canceled, nailed to the cross as Colossians 2:14 tells us. This forgiveness is not earned—it’s granted. And it's not partial or temporary—it is complete.

And how is all of this possible? Paul answers: “in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” This phrase deserves deep meditation. God doesn’t forgive sparingly. He doesn’t redeem reluctantly. His grace is rich—meaning abundant, overflowing, immeasurable. And it’s from this ocean of grace that our salvation is drawn. You don’t have to scrape and claw to receive it. It’s poured out, not because we deserve it, but because that’s the nature of God. He is gracious. He is generous. He is love in its purest form.

What does this mean for your everyday life? It means you don’t walk through life trying to earn God’s love—you live from the place of already being loved. It means your past no longer defines you—your position in Christ does. It means that even when you fall short, you don’t run from God in shame—you run to Him in confidence, knowing that redemption and forgiveness are already yours. It means shame no longer has a claim on your identity. It means guilt no longer has authority over your future. And it means that grace isn’t a one-time event—it’s the ongoing foundation upon which you stand.

Paul’s words in Ephesians 1:7 are also a challenge to our human understanding of forgiveness. In a world where people hold grudges, where love is conditional, and where mistakes often define someone forever, this kind of divine forgiveness is radical. And if we’ve been forgiven like this, it should transform the way we forgive others. Jesus told a parable in Matthew 18 about a servant who was forgiven a massive debt but refused to forgive someone else a much smaller one. The point? When you realize how richly you’ve been forgiven, you can’t help but extend that same grace to others.

This verse also reframes how we approach our spiritual growth. We don’t strive for holiness to get redeemed or forgiven. We strive for holiness because we already are. Grace becomes the soil in which transformation takes root. When you understand the depth of your forgiveness, you begin to desire to live in a way that reflects the One who gave it to you. It’s not about earning. It’s about responding.

Ephesians 1:7 also invites us to rest. Many of us live under pressure—trying to prove ourselves, trying to fix our past, trying to perform well enough to be worthy. But redemption through His blood means the price has already been paid. You don’t have to carry the weight of your mistakes anymore. You can lay them down. The cross is enough. His grace is sufficient.

So take this verse into your heart today. Let it speak to the places where you still feel chained, where you still carry guilt, where you struggle to believe you’re fully forgiven. Let it remind you that redemption is not a concept—it’s a person. Jesus. And in Him, you have everything you need. You are redeemed. You are forgiven. And you are deeply, abundantly, eternally loved.