“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us…” Ephesians 1.7-8
I forget where I left my keys almost on a daily basis. You would think I would just start putting them in the same spot every time, but I never do. When it’s time to go, I spend the next ten minutes trying to retrace every step and praying that the keys would just appear before me. I am a forgetful person; we are forgetful people. I think Jesus was aware of this when He instituted communion. He knew we would quickly forget the cross, so He took some and bread and some wine and said “Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Cor 11.25) I think the apostle Paul was also aware of peoples’ common forgetfulness, and so in every letter he writes to remind the Church about the basics of the Gospel.
In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul writes to the Church, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us…” (Eph 1.7-8). Paul writes, “in him” and thus signifying being in relationship with Christ in which we have redemption and forgiveness. Simply by being united with Him we are redeemed and set free from sin and death for the record of our sins is cancelled.
The hope of the Gospel is only made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, a victory that many of us will be rejoicing in this coming weekend. For many of us life is so busy, on and off the ski hill, and it’s so easy amidst the busyness to forget. To forget that glorious Gospel that has allowed us to know Christ. As Sunday approaches take some time to reflect– whether it is while you ski, melt wax, brush your teeth, make your coffee, sit on that chairlift, etc. Prepare your heart to remember and to rejoice and may that time bring new joy and refreshment to your spirit.
Challenge:
For the rest of this week aim to be intentional, whether with lots or little amounts of time, to reflect on the Gospel.
What are some key Gospel truths that you feel you may have forgotten? Take time to remember those truths!
By Ryley and Nicole Heppner | Christina Lake, British Columbia