Due to sin the only way we can receive God’s blessing is through the redemptive work of Christ (v7). It is only through the shedding of Christ’s blood as a sacrifice for our sin that we can know forgiveness and our relationship with God restored.

The cross and the salvation that comes through it is all because of the riches of God’s grace. God in His love lavishes grace on His people (v8). There are no half measures in what God does. Paul is excited as he speaks of God’s grace, he is marvelling at the wonder of God’s love to the undeserving.

What Paul speaks about is a ‘mystery’ (v9), which means something that previously had been hidden but is now revealed. Paul is showing that God’s plan is not something small but something that will encompass the whole world of heaven and earth (v10). God’s desire is for everything to be in perfect harmony with Christ as everyone and everything submits to Christ’s rule. The challenge for you is are you in harmony with Christ, is every area of your life submitted to His rule?