I think that some people figure that God should just forgive our sins and let us back into heaven. Look, though, at the how Paul arranges things in this verse:
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, (Ephesians 1:7a,b–ESV)
Paul places redemption through Christ’s blood first, and then layers in the forgiveness of our sins. Is that order significant? Maybe it would seem that forgiveness should come first and then the blood transaction second.
Let’s shift into “analogyville” for a bit and build some scenarios.
First, suppose I am walking down one of those wide aisles at Target. A couple of ladies talking loud enough to make me angry pass by in the other direction and go on their way. If I end up behind them at the register and pop out with, “I forgive you” what good is that? At best I am going to garner suspicious looks and be graciously ignored. More likely some sort of argument will ensue when I have to tell them they are loud. That is surely going to degenerate into something unpleasant, and probably none too quiet. [Read more…] about Ephesians 1:7>> Forgiveness: That flows in the family.