⁷ In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

according to

Our salvation did not come out of God’s grace but “according to” the wealth of His grace. “According to” means norm or standard. God gives according to the norm of His riches. If a millionaire gave $50 to you, he would give out of his riches. If he gave you $250,000 he would give according to His riches. God does not give out of His riches but according to the abundant riches of His grace.

the riches of His [the Father’s] grace

God is unlimited in resources. “Riches” connotes wealth, lavish provision. God is a liberal Giver. Paul referred to God’s riches in this verse and in a number of other references in Ephesians (Eph 1:18; 2:4, 7; 3:8, 16).

Grace is the cause of our redemption. The blood of Christ was an immense price for God to pay for our sin. The riches of God’s grace is the cause of our salvation. “Riches” intensifies the idea of God’s grace. Instead of receiving the judgment of God we deserve, we receive forgiveness of sin out of abundant grace.

PRINCIPLE:

Christian possess total, complete, and permanent forgiveness.

APPLICATION:

Christians have total forgiveness in Christ by God’s grace. Forgiveness extends to every sin we ever commit—past, present, or future. We can never “out-sin” God’s grace, because God’s forgiveness is infinite.

God never asks us what we have done for Him. He only asks what Christ has done for us. This is His grace.