Now we will look more at the specific 'spiritual blessings' that flow out of the cross of Christ. Paul shifts his emphasis from the Father's plan before creation, to what the Son accomplished in real time - a specific day in history when he died on the cross. What the Father planned before time, the Son accomplished at the cross!
The Blessing of Redemption
Paul writes, “In him we have redemption through his blood” (1:7). Redemption is a key Bible word that speaks of purchasing, releasing from prison, paying a ransom. The Old Testament background for this is the Exodus, where God redeemed Israel from captivity in Egypt (Ex 6:6; 15:13; Deut 7:8). God also redeemed Israel from exile in Babylon (Isaiah 35:9-10; 51:11) [Mounce]. This served as a physical picture of the redemption Christ would accomplish for us on the cross (“through his blood”).
Jesus himself understood his mission in these terms, that he came to die for the sins of his people and purchase their redemption from sin. He said, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many," (Mark 10:45).
The apostles understood Christ's work in these terms as well. Peter wrote:
