Redemption.
"In whom we have the redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of our sins."
I. What men need is more than instruction, education, or an elevating influence. They are in sin—condemned, enslaved, and disordered; in the fetters of a strong man armed, and a stronger is needed to disarm him and spoil his house. In a word, they need redemption from sin.
II. What the gospel specially announces is such a redemption. Christ came, not merely to enlighten, or elevate, or improve, but to redeem. He came to grapple with sin in all its bearings and results.
III. This redemption was consummated by the shedding of Christ's blood. Jesus died as a sacrifice or propitiation for sin. He came by water and by blood, not by water only. His blood "cleanseth us from all sin;" his Spirit renews the soul. Calvin says the blood figured atonement, the water ablution. The side of Christ, he says, was the fountain of our sacraments.
IV. Forgiveness of sins is a fundamental element of this redemption. The gospel of Christ is a gospel of forgiveness. Sin is blotted out freely through Christ's merit. We need nothing short of forgiveness, and should not rest till we have it.
V. All this is to be enjoyed in union to Christ. "In whom" we have redemption. Thus union to Christ is the turning-point of all blessing.