The Riches of His Grace

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us (Ephesians 1:7, 8, ESV).

The greatest expression of God’s grace is expressed here: redemption and forgiveness. Redemption means purchasing with a price in order to set someone free. You and I are like slaves trembling and terrified of what may lie in store for them when they are purchased by a rich and powerful master. Then, to their amazement, the first thing he does is set them free. So with us. We were not redeemed by material wealth but by the precious blood of Christ (see also 1 Peter 1:18-19). It cost Jesus his life to redeem us. And he did so to set us free.

Forgiveness means exactly what it says. There are two words for forgiveness in the New Testament. One means to express grace through forgiving. The other, used here, literally means remittance, release or dismissal, hence, getting rid of sin altogether. Forgiveness applies to all sins, past, present and future. Even sins not yet committed are included. Forgiveness is utterly of grace. No good action can add to it; no sinful action can take away from it.

The word ‘transgression’ includes the idea tripping over or slipping to one side. This makes God’s grace of forgiveness even more remarkable: accidental sin is included too. 

This text concludes with the phrase ‘riches of his grace’. It is apparent that Paul simply cannot find enough words to describe grace. God has ‘lavished’ his grace upon us. 

‘Lavish’ is a common New Testament verb normally translated by words like ‘abundant’ or ‘overflowing’ (e.g. John10:10; Ephesians 3:20). The idea is of a vessel running over or of a harvest which is too abundant for the barns to contain. Like ‘riches’, it speaks of far more than we need. And it’s all free! 

‘Riches’ or ‘wealth’ are appropriate terms to use. There is nothing parsimonious about God’s grace. If I were to talk about my earthly possessions or my bank balance, I would use neither of those terms. I am neither rich nor wealthy. I have no complaints. Every day my wife and I see our needs being provided (Matthew 6:25-34). But to me, both riches’ and ‘wealth’ imply provision and possession far beyond mine. 

Spiritually, the reverse is true. There is no limit to God’s grace. Elsewhere, the Bible talks of abundant or overflowing grace (2 Corinthians 9:8) or of grace being multiplied (2 Peter 1:2) or of the ‘unsearchable riches’ of Christ (Ephesians 3:8).  You and I are spiritual billionaires!

So what?

1. Note that this text begins with the words ‘In him’. How many times does this or a similar phrase (e.g. ‘through him’) occur in Ephesians chapter one? Compare your list with someone else’s 

2. Memorise Ephesians 1:7