I N D E X
it forgiveness; Ephesians 1:14, being the concluding redemption, bringing with
it entry into our inheritance in resurrection.  When therefore the apostle
penned the words `in Whom we have redemption', all that we have seen and more is
to be found in these most wonderful types which are intended by him in the usage
of this sacrificial term.  This Redeemer was indeed a Kinsman-Redeemer; a ransom
has been paid and a release effected.  There are some who, while going as far
with us in this matter, hesitate to endorse in its fulness the Old Testament
sacrificial system, and would indeed suggest that here, in this most spiritual
of all Paul's epistles, the grosser and lower aspects of the Old Testament
ritual, right and proper though they may have been in the age when they were
instituted, must be left behind as we contemplate all spiritual blessings as our
lot and portion.  This however is shattered by the fact that Paul unhesitatingly
and of purpose adds the words `through His blood', before he proceeds to the
forgiveness of sins, and not only so, he repeats himself in Colossians 1:14, as
though he would say as he did in another context `as we have said before, so say
I now again'.  A reading of these two epistles of the Mystery, Ephesians and
Colossians, will reveal that even though our blessings are `all spiritual', even
though our sphere is in `heavenly places', even though we were chosen before the
foundation of the world that we should be `holy', our access to these blessings,
our meetness for such a sphere, is provided for us, as it must be provided for
any believing sinner of whatever calling or sphere, by the sacrificial offering
of the Saviour.  It is true not only for the Hebrews, but for the Gentiles, that
`without the shedding of blood is no remission'.
There are four references to the blood of Christ in the epistles of the
mystery, which we should keep before us:
A Eph. 1:7.  Redemption through His blood -- forgiveness.
B Eph. 2:13.  Far off ones made nigh ... so making peace.
A Col. 1:14.  Redemption through His blood -- forgiveness.
B Col. 1:20.  Peace made, all things reconciled.
It will be seen from these references that even though the number is
small, that they cover the two great categories, namely Redemption that is from
(Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14 in the Received Text), the deliverance aspect, and the
Reconciliation which is to, the subsequent access and acceptance.  It is
important that we do not stress the one to the exclusion or minimizing of the
other.  God did not lead Israel out of Egypt only to abandon them on the shores
of the Red Sea, and again, God did not speak of Tabernacle, priest and access,
until the initial redemption from Egypt had been accomplished.  It requires both
the redemption out of, and reconciliation unto, to embrace the blessings that
flow to the believer `through His blood'.
The Threefold Charter of the Church
The Work of the Son  (Eph. 1:7-11)
Forgiveness
We remind our readers that Ephesians 1:3-14 is the charter of the church
and provides the documents that relate to our high calling, inheritance,
release, adoption, seal and earnest.  We have been considering the fact that
Redemption is necessary and has been provided in order that all the gracious
provisions of our Father's will may be enjoyed.  The first result of this
Redemption is given both in Ephesians and Colossians as `the forgiveness of
sins', and to this most gracious theme we now address ourselves.  Again, in
order to realize something of the teaching of Ephesians 1:7 regarding
forgiveness, we must include in our survey the Hebrew words that are employed in
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