In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

Ephesians 1:7 – 10

I stand in awe as I read these words, and consider what they are really describing.  The only way I can comprehend the depths and reality of all this is to start where the writer, Paul does, with Jesus.

“In him.”  That is, in Christ.  It is all about the merciful work of Jesus Christ.  It is “in Him” that redemption reaches us and changes our position relative to God and everything else entirely.  How did this happen?  Through the blood of Jesus Christ, Paul insists.  There is no other way to relate to God because it only the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from our sins, the problem that keeps all humans from God.  We cannot possibly earn this eternal favor.  It is God’s to give.

In addition to cleansing us through the Blood of Jesus, God lavishes the riches of his extraordinary grace on us, with all wisdom and understanding.  The all wise One, the One who understands all things, especially us, reveals to us the mystery of God’s will that he purposed in Christ. 

Is this not hard to believe??  It is overwhelming.  Why we should receive this flood of blessing from God through Jesus?  It is out of synch with what we think as human beings.  We have taken our own way – Jesus brings us to His way.  We have diminished our importance – Jesus gives us a new persona and a living hope that is as real as the morning sun.  He is our immortality!

Come to think of it, why would anyone turn down this offer?  Why not bow the neck and humbly receive this lavished grace?  The vision is comprehensive and strong – to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.  Lord, settle me on this eternal offering.