Ephesians 1:7

KJV

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

KJV (with Strong's)

In {G1722} whom {G3739} we have {G2192} redemption {G629} through {G1223} his {G846} blood {G129}, the forgiveness {G859} of sins {G3900}, according {G2596} to the riches {G4149} of his {G846} grace {G5485};

Complete Jewish Bible

In union with him, through the shedding of his blood, we are set free — our sins are forgiven; this accords with the wealth of the grace

Berean Standard Bible

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

American Standard Version

in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 1:7 profoundly articulates the core of Christian salvation, declaring that believers possess redemption and the forgiveness of sins through the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ. This monumental act of grace is not a meager provision but flows from the boundless, inexhaustible "riches of his grace," highlighting God's lavish generosity and divine initiative in securing our eternal well-being.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ephesians 1:7 is embedded within Paul's magnificent opening doxology (Ephesians 1:3-14), a soaring hymn of praise to God the Father for the spiritual blessings bestowed upon believers "in Christ." Following the declaration of God's eternal election and predestination of believers for adoption as sons ([Ephesians 1:4-5](/ephesians/1-4-5 "Ephesians 1:4-5 - Election and Adoption")), Paul shifts to detail the practical outworking of these blessings. Verse 7 specifically elaborates on the nature and means of the redemption mentioned as one of these blessings, directly linking it to Christ ("In whom," referring to the "Beloved" in [Ephesians 1:6](/ephesians/1-6 "Ephesians 1:6 - Accepted in the Beloved")). It sets the stage for further revelations concerning God's will and the sealing of the Holy Spirit.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was a prominent Roman provincial capital, a bustling port city known for its wealth, diverse population, and the magnificent Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Idolatry, pagan rituals, and various mystery religions were prevalent. In this environment, concepts like "redemption" would have resonated deeply. Slavery was widespread, making the idea of being "bought back" or "set free" from bondage a familiar one. The term `apolýtrōsis` (redemption) often referred to the payment of a ransom to free a slave or a prisoner of war. The emphasis on "blood" would also evoke the Jewish sacrificial system, which was understood by Jewish Christians, and would stand in stark contrast to the bloodless rituals or animal sacrifices of pagan cults, highlighting the unique and ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ephesians and Pauline theology. First, it underscores the **centrality of Christ** in God's redemptive plan; all blessings flow "in Him." Second, it highlights the **means of salvation** through Christ's atoning sacrifice, emphasizing that reconciliation with God is achieved through His shed blood. Third, it reveals the **nature of salvation** as both redemption (freedom from bondage) and forgiveness (pardoning of sin). Finally, the phrase "according to the riches of his grace" powerfully conveys the **divine initiative and boundless generosity** of God, stressing that salvation is entirely a gift of God's unmerited favor, not earned by human merit or effort, a theme Paul develops further in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Redemption (Greek, _apolýtrōsis'_):** From G629, this term signifies "ransom in full" or "riddance," specifically "Christian salvation." It conveys the idea of being bought back or released from a state of bondage (in this context, bondage to sin, death, and the law's curse) through the payment of a price. It implies a complete and permanent deliverance.
* **Blood (Greek, _haîma'_):** From G129, this word literally refers to the physical fluid, but figuratively and specially denotes "the atoning blood of Christ." In a theological context, it represents the life poured out in sacrifice, the means by which reconciliation and expiation for sin are achieved. It is the payment that secures redemption.
* **Grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** From G5485, this term describes "graciousness," "divine influence upon the heart," and "unmerited favor." It emphasizes God's benevolent disposition and the freely given, undeserved nature of salvation. The "riches of his grace" amplify this concept, indicating an overflowing, abundant, and inexhaustible supply of divine favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In whom we have redemption":** This clause establishes Jesus Christ as the singular source and sphere of our salvation. It is "in Him" that believers possess, as a present reality, the profound benefit of redemption. This redemption is not merely a future hope but a present possession, a completed transaction.
* **"through his blood":** This phrase specifies the precise means by which redemption is accomplished. It points directly to Christ's sacrificial death on the cross, where His life was given as the atoning payment for sin. The shedding of His blood signifies the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that satisfies divine justice and secures our freedom.
* **"the forgiveness of sins":** This identifies the immediate and primary outcome of this redemption. Through Christ's atoning work, our transgressions and offenses against God are completely pardoned, remitted, and removed. This forgiveness is comprehensive, addressing the guilt and penalty of all our `paráptōma` (sins/trespasses).
* **"according to the riches of his grace":** This final clause reveals the ultimate source, measure, and character of this entire redemptive work. Our redemption and forgiveness are not given grudgingly or minimally, but are bestowed in a manner commensurate with God's boundless, overflowing, and magnificent grace. It emphasizes the divine generosity and the unmerited nature of this gift, flowing from God's own abundant character and wealth of kindness.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "through his blood," where "blood" stands for Christ's sacrificial death, the means by which redemption is secured. The phrase "riches of his grace" utilizes **hyperbole** and **personification** to convey the immeasurable and abundant nature of God's favor; grace is depicted as having "riches," implying an inexhaustible treasury. There is also a subtle **parallelism** between "redemption" and "the forgiveness of sins," presenting two facets of the same salvific reality that are intrinsically linked and flow from the same divine act.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 1:7 is a foundational statement for understanding the Christian doctrine of atonement and justification. It unequivocally declares that humanity's deepest need—freedom from sin's bondage and the pardon of guilt—is met solely through the vicarious, sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. This redemption is not earned by human merit or works but is a lavish gift stemming entirely from God's character as a God of infinite grace and mercy. It highlights the divine initiative in salvation, where God, in His boundless love, provided the means for reconciliation, demonstrating His justice and love simultaneously. This verse underscores the finished work of Christ, providing believers with a secure and unshakeable hope rooted in God's unchangeable character and His Son's perfect sacrifice.

* [Colossians 1:14](/colossians/1-14 "Colossians 1:14 - Redemption and Forgiveness")
* [Romans 3:24-25](/romans/3-24-25 "Justification by Grace Through Redemption")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Blood for Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ephesians 1:7 invites believers into a profound posture of gratitude and humility. To grasp that our redemption and the complete forgiveness of our sins come not from our own efforts or worthiness, but "through his blood" and "according to the riches of his grace," is to be liberated from the burden of performance and self-justification. This truth fosters a deep sense of security and peace, knowing that our standing before God is based entirely on Christ's finished work and God's boundless generosity. It should motivate us to live lives that reflect this incredible grace—extending forgiveness to others, walking in freedom from sin's dominion, and living for the glory of the God who has so lavishly redeemed us. Our identity is no longer defined by our past failures but by our present position "in Christ," beloved, redeemed, and forgiven.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "riches of his grace" impact your daily perception of God's character and His love for you?**
* **In what specific ways does the redemption "through his blood" free you from the power or guilt of sin in your life today?**
* **How does the certainty of the "forgiveness of sins" empower you to extend grace and forgiveness to others?**

### FAQ

**What does "redemption through his blood" mean?**

Answer: "Redemption through his blood" means that humanity, enslaved by sin and subject to its penalty (death), has been bought back and set free by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The term "redemption" (Greek: `apolýtrōsis`) implies a ransom paid to release someone from bondage. In this context, Christ's "blood" signifies His life poured out as a perfect, atoning sacrifice on the cross. His death served as the full and final payment required to satisfy God's justice, thereby liberating believers from the dominion of sin and reconciling them to God. It is a divine transaction where Christ's life was given as the price for our freedom.

**How does "the riches of his grace" relate to our salvation?**

Answer: "The riches of his grace" underscores that our salvation—including redemption and the forgiveness of sins—is not earned or merited by any human effort or goodness, but is a free, abundant, and overflowing gift from God. "Grace" (Greek: `cháris`) signifies God's unmerited favor and benevolent disposition. The addition of "riches" emphasizes the immeasurable, inexhaustible, and lavish nature of this divine favor. It means that God's provision for our salvation is not minimal or begrudging, but is given out of the fullness of His character and generosity, far exceeding anything we could ever deserve or imagine. This highlights God's initiative and magnanimity as the sole source of our salvation, as [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith") further clarifies.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 1:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's redemptive plan. He is the "whom" in whom we have redemption, the Lamb of God whose precious blood was shed as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sin, as foretold by prophets and foreshadowed in the Old Testament sacrificial system (see [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). His sinless life, His voluntary submission to the cross, and His resurrection from the dead confirm the efficacy of His atoning work, making Him the unique means by which humanity can be reconciled to a holy God. The "forgiveness of sins" is made possible only because Christ bore the penalty for our transgressions, allowing God to be both just and the justifier of those who believe in Jesus ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness and Justification")). Thus, Christ is not merely the agent of redemption, but the very substance of it, demonstrating the "riches of his grace" through His unparalleled love for humanity, a love so profound that "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love in Christ's Death")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Romans 3:24

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Colossians 1:14

In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins:

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 Peter 1:18

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, [as] silver and gold, from your vain conversation [received] by tradition from your fathers;

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: