Ephesians 1:7 "In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace;"
The phrase "according to. . ." is an intriguing expression in GOD's WORD. It occurs 725 times in the Bible; 117 of those incidences are in the New Testament; 71 times it appears in the Pauline epistles. It is twice used in the Old Testament in connection with GOD's lovingkindness. David prayed: "Have mercy upon me, O GOD, according to THY lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of THY tender mercies blot out my transgressions" (Psalm 51:1). This was his prayer after Nathan the Prophet confronted him concerning his sin with Bathsheba. The writer of Psalm 119 (perhaps David also) expressed his love of GOD's precepts (commandments) and requested that he be "quicken[ed] (revived) . . . according to THY lovingkindness" (Psalm 119:159 pictured above).
The Apostle reminded the believers at Corinth of the good news he had already delivered to them: "CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" (1st.Corinthians 15:3-4 part of the last picture in the post). Paul's message was corroborated by the WORD of GOD. Concerning the Judgement Seat of CHRIST, he declared that Christians will receive or lose reward "according to that [we have] done" (2nd.Corinthians 5:10 pictured above). Another verse that brings joy is today's text: "We have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace." Let that grip your soul ! GOD provides redemption for us through HIS SON -- not out of the riches of HIS grace but according to the riches of HIS grace. HIS grace is inexhaustible; HIS grace is always available; HIS grace is beyond comprehension. HE provides "forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace." PRAISE GOD ! JED
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
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