According to Who?

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

"According to who?" That is the question I heard a lot when I was a teenage know it all. It is funny how we think we know everything at a time in life when we know very little. Just enough to get us in trouble.

The refreshing thing about this passage is that it give us the answer to the question when it is asked regarding forgiveness of sin and redemption. Forgiveness and redemption is not according to our knowledge. Forgiveness and redemption is not based upon what we have done or what we didn't do. Forgiveness of Sin and redemption are available to us because of who God is and what God has done through the work of Christ on the cross. It is not according to me or my works. It is not according to you and what you do. It is according to the riches of God's grace. This means that forgiveness of sin and redemption are a free gift for us to receive. We can't earn or deserve them. We don't have to. God offers them to us because he loves us.

But, and this is important, we do have to receive them. A gift is not a gift until we receive it. It is not ours until we open it. Open the gift and live the new live. Live as the redeemed. Live as the forgiven. Live a new life in Christ. Because it is not according to me or you it is according to HIM.

Live according to HIM. Forgiven. Redeemed.

Love today.

In Christ's love and mine,

Doug