Ephesians 1:7

Ephesians 1:7 says, In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;  If we are redeemed to God, it is only through the blood of Christ.  If our sins are forgiven, it is not by any action on our part, but by the blood of Christ.  This is only made possible by the grace of God.  There has never been nor never will be any way to salvation except by accepting what Christ did for everyone on the cross.  Verse eight adds, Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;  God gives us the wisdom to know the truth of salvation through Christ.  God not only provides the only way to salvation, but He gives us the faith to have the knowledge accept that salvation.  Rejection of salvation is purely an act of self will on the part of an individual, and salvation is purely an act of faith in following the will of God.  Verse nine continues, Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:  Paul said that God had made known the mystery of His will.  We can never know God by our own ability but can only know Him as He reveals Himself to us.  Salvation will never be dependent on any act of people other than the acceptance of Christ as their Savior and Lord through faith, which is itself giving to them by God.  Verse ten states, That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:  I believe that Paul was speaking about the second coming of Christ.  When God determines the time to be right, then all of those who belong to Christ through faith will be gathered together.  We do not need to worry about when, but only be assured of the truth that we are assured of that fact.  Verse eleven adds, In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:  Paul just offers further assurance that those who put their faith in Christ have gained a part in His inheritance.  I believe that salvation by Christ is what was preordained, and not the salvation of any particular individual or individuals.  Verse twelve continues, That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.  We are not saved for our own glory, but for the glory of God, as Paul states here.  This glory to God comes through our acceptance of Christ, a free will act on the part of every individual.  Though God could have forced us to serve Him, it is to His glory that He allows us to make the choice.  Verse thirteen proclaims, In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  These promises are made to those who put their faith in Christ.  Once someone accepts the truth of salvation by Christ alone, they are sealed to a relationship with the Father by the Holy Spirit.  The only way a person who is truly saved could lose their salvation would be if they were more powerful than God, since He seals the relationship.  Verse fourteen adds, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.  The Holy Spirit is the assurance of our inheritance until the final redemption.  We need only rest assured that we are God's forever through our faith in Christ.