In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "the forgiveness of our trespasses" isn't just a side benefit of redemption; it's presented as the very essence of what redemption is. It highlights that Christ's blood didn't just buy us back, but specifically secured our release from guilt through the canceling of our offenses.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is detailing the blessings God has bestowed upon believers in Christ, beginning with their selection before the world was made and their adoption as children. This verse now elaborates on the specific means by which this divine purpose is accomplished: through Christ's sacrifice, which provides full redemption and the complete forgiveness of sins.
What does it mean to be 'redeemed'? It's more than just being set free; it's about a costly rescue.
The verse speaks of 'redemption through his blood.' This isn't a light matter. It implies we were held captive, unable to free ourselves. Think of a hostage situation or being enslaved. To be redeemed means a price was paid to secure our release.
The Price of Sin
Our captivity was to sin, its guilt, and its consequences. The 'blood' mentioned is the very life poured out by Jesus on the cross. This wasn't accidental; it was the divine payment, the ultimate ransom price that satisfied God's justice and broke the chains of sin and death.
More Than Just Freedom
Redemption is also about belonging. We are not just freed; we are brought into God's family, purchased to be His own. It signifies a transfer from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of His beloved Son.
What happens when God's grace meets our failures? It leads to radical forgiveness.
Following 'redemption,' the verse immediately points to 'the forgiveness of our trespasses.' This isn't a minor detail; it's a core benefit flowing directly from Christ's sacrifice.
What is Forgiveness?
'Forgiveness' (or remission) means sins are not merely overlooked or postponed (that's a different Greek word, 'paresis'). Instead, they are completely dismissed, cancelled, and released. Our 'trespasses' (specific acts of wrongdoing) are dealt with, not just covered up.
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The Standard of Grace
This forgiveness isn't based on how 'good' we are or how much we try to make up for our mistakes. It's 'according to the riches of his grace.' God's grace is not stingy or limited; it is overflowing, abundant, and immeasurable. It's this vast, unearned favor that allows for the complete forgiveness of every single one of our offenses.
Understand the original words
apolytrōsis · Greek Noun
The act of buying back or liberating something or someone from slavery, debt, or captivity through the payment of a price; in theology, it refers specifically to salvation from sin through the sacrifice of Christ.
aphesis · Greek Noun
The act of releasing a person from the guilt, punishment, and legal consequences of sin. It is the result of Christ's sacrifice, whereby God removes the barrier caused by human wrongdoing.
paraptōmatōn · Greek Noun
Violations of God's moral law or deviations from the path of righteousness; it implies a 'missing of the mark' or a crossing of a forbidden boundary.
This passage directly parallels Ephesians 1:7 by stating that believers have 'redemption, the forgiveness of sins' in Christ, highlighting the same core benefits of Christ's work.
1 Peter 1:18-19It echoes the theme of redemption by explaining that believers were redeemed not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, emphasizing the sacrificial cost of our redemption.
Romans 3:24-25This passage speaks of being 'justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood,' directly connecting redemption, blood, and God's grace as the basis for forgiveness.
Hebrews 9:22This verse states that 'according to the law, almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness,' underscoring why Christ's blood is essential for the forgiveness mentioned in Ephesians 1:7.
Luke 1:77It speaks of giving 'knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins,' showing that forgiveness of sins is a foundational element of God's saving work, as also proclaimed in Ephesians 1:7.
jfbEphesians 1:7: "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"
- In whom—"the Beloved" (Eph 1:6; Ro 3:24).we have—as a present possession.redemption—Greek, "our (literally, 'the') redemption"; THE redemption which is the grand subject of all revelation, and especially of the New Testament (Ro 3:24), namely, from the power, guilt, and penal consequences of sin (Mt 1:21). If a man were unable to redeem himself from being a bond-serva…
vincentEphesians 1:7: "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"
We haveOr are having. The freely bestowed (Ephesians 1:6) is thus illustrated by experience. The divine purpose is being accomplished in the lives of believers.Redemption (τὴν ἀπολύτρωσιν)See on Romans 3:24. Note the article: our redemption.Through His bloodFurther defining and explaining in whom.Forgiveness (ἄφεσιν)See on Luke 3:3; see on James 5:15; see on Romans…
The phrase "the forgiveness of our trespasses" isn't just a side benefit of redemption; it's presented as the very essence of what redemption is. It highlights that Christ's blood didn't just buy us back, but specifically secured our release from guilt through the canceling of our offenses.
Paul is detailing the blessings God has bestowed upon believers in Christ, beginning with their selection before the world was made and their adoption as children. This verse now elaborates on the specific means by which this divine purpose is accomplished: through Christ's sacrifice, which provides full redemption and the complete forgiveness of sins.
Paul is detailing the blessings God has bestowed upon believers in Christ, beginning with their selection before the world was made and their adoption as children. This verse now elaborates on the specific means by which this divine purpose is accomplished: through Christ's sacrifice, which provides full redemption and the complete forgiveness of sins.
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace," — The phrase "the forgiveness of our trespasses" isn't just a side benefit of redemption; it's presented as the very essence of what redemption is. It highlights that Christ's blood didn't just buy u…
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Last reviewed October 2026