FREEDOM from the DUNGEON


Chapter 3 Three Blessings for Emotional Healing Ephesians (1:4–14)

II. Blessing Two: He Redeemed & Forgave Us (1.7-10)


First, it is vital that we praise and thank our Heavenly Father for this two-fold blessing. Before the beginning of time, He adjudicated the legality of redemption and forgiveness. This ruling makes binding the choosing and adoption set down in Blessing 1; it allows us to stand innocent before the Eternal Judge; and it expunges all satanic claims to our identity. Thus, neither Satan, nor sin, nor perpetrator can define who we are. Redeemed and forgiven in Christ, our Father in eternity past established our identity as holy children of the Most High God. Second, created in the image of God, all human beings are born with the potential to feel unconditional acceptance (approval) and possess a sense of worth (dignity). With these emotional building blocks in place, our soul (mind, will, emotions, personality) develops into all that God created us to be. Unconditional acceptance and a sense of worth births the emotional stability needed to approve others and to treat them with dignity. Nevertheless, starting with Adam’s original sin (turning from faith in God to believing the lies of Satan) Satan’s lies seem plausible to the saint because of our weakness of faith. Although his lies vary, their common purpose is singular: to mar the image of God within us. · “I am unacceptable and worthless. Neither success nor money can change this fact.” · “My sins are too great for God’s total forgiveness. I am too unclean to ask Him for help.” · “Worth (dignity) is linked to how well I perform or measure up to ungodly standards.” · “God’s demands and expectations are too much, and I have too little to give.” · “Dignity? I deserve to be condemned and punished.” · “Satan, sin, and self have the right to define my identity.” The generational curse of unbelief instills a deep-seated anger. This spiritual stronghold infuses contempt for God and us into our subconscious. We direct that demonic wrath at God and ourselves, often punishing the innocent. But praise our Father because try as he might, Satan cannot eradicate the God-image within us. He may kick some dirt on it or twist our perception of it, but he cannot kill it. Thus, thank our Father for Blessing 2. It restores a feeling of unconditional acceptance (approval) and a sense of worth (dignity), allowing God to define our identity and give us the courage to believe His opinion.

A. He Redeemed Us (1:7a)


“In Him we have redemption – deliverance and salvation – through His blood.” “Redemption” (lutroō) is a legal term meaning ‘to save and deliver from captivity.’ A redeemer had to be related to the captive, willing to redeem them, and able to pay the ransom. The redeemed was set free and given a certificate of deliverance. 1. Redemption and Humility (Hosea 1:2-3; 3:1-3) The Characters God told Hosea, a priest and prophet of Israel, to marry a Jewish prostitute named Gomer. Primarily, God wanted to teach the nation of Israel a spiritual lesson. Then again, since our Father never discards the individual, we recognize that the marriage personified the redemption of His daughter Gomer. Since God redeemed Gomer, why was it impossible for her to adapt to her new station in life? Did Hosea’s family reject her? Did she think so little of herself that she could not relate to them? Did she think herself dirty and unworthy? Gomer returned to her old lifestyle and ended up on the auction block as a slave because she never found healing for her emotional wounds. Though her circumstances changed, the lies imbedded in her soul continued to control her and the sin of her past still defined her character. Sadly, because her God- and self-perception stayed the same, she could not walk in the freedom of redemption. Despite her anger, God’s appraisal of her character never wavered. He continued to approve of her and to treat her with dignity. Nor did He allow Hosea or anyone else to shame her. “The Lord said to me, ‘Go show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress.’” In humility, Hosea paid the redemption price, removed the chains of bondage, clothed her naked body, and pledged to uphold their marriage vows. This time Gomer took hold of the power of redemption. Her behavior changed and she became the woman that God created her to be. We hear nothing more of her, but the grace of God could not allow her to sit idly by and let her old friends die in their sin. The love and grace of God would send her back to the streets of prostitution to bring other women to Him. The Connection Since the fall of man (Pss 51.5), only God was willing and able to redeem us (Pss 49.6). Jesus humbled Himself and went to the cross (Ro 3.24). When we asked for forgiveness, He cleansed us, broke the bondage of sin, and clothed us with His righteousness. Nevertheless, the battle is not over. Gomer’s life illustrates the struggles that hurting, wounded saints face when first born again. Like Gomer, God redeemed and brought us into His family, but the imbedded lies of the past blind us to the blessings of the present. We return to old sin habits because they are familiar, and we stay in hurtful relationships because the behavioral roles are better defined. Since we cannot free ourselves from the dungeons created by Satan’s lies (1Pe 1.18-20), God has swung open the dungeon door. Yet, we stubbornly remain in the cell because our anger makes it impossible for us to trust His perception of who we are. We must humbly allow our Father to reveal the problem and the solution. He will never reject nor shame us. He does not care how many times we have failed, and He does not care that we are angry. He only begs us to come into His fellowship because He wants to cleanse us and give us rest. Three other aspects of redemption help to change our God- and self-perceptions · Aphiēmi is to send away by repayment or cancellation of a debt (Matt 9:2l; Rom 4:7). Our Father paid our sin debt and wiped it out. He never brings up the past to shame us. · Huiothesia is a legal process of adopting a child. Our Father accepts us into His family, gives us a new identity, and restores our worth and dignity. He will never give up on us, or ask us to move faster than we can endure, or face a problem that we cannot overcome. He brings issues to our attention when we are able to deal with them. · Katallassō means to reconcile legally disputing parties in court. We are legally reconciled to God through the blood of Christ (Heb 9:22). Our Father heals every wound and helps us to live daily in the freedom of redemption (Rom 5:10). He sets us free from all obligations to sinful behavior and destroys the strongholds of fear, anger, and self-pity (Heb 4:12-16). 2. Redemption and Healing: A Change in Soul, Spirit, and Body Repentance: Putting Off Our Old Identity Repentance is triumphant when we, instead of rejecting the will of God, surrender our opposition to accept it in our inner selves (Acts 2:38). Then, we will think differently; change our minds for the better; heartily amend our ways; and abhor past sins (Matt 3:2; 4:17). The effect will be that, for the time being, we will set aside the need for man’s blessings to pursue God’s approval (acceptance) and worth (dignity). In time, the emotional and spiritual pain will end (Acts 3:19). However, our grief will never end if we refuse to repent. “Put off and discard” is an imperative command. It pictures a decisive setting aside of old, filthy clothes and having nothing further to do with them (Gal 5:19ff; Heb 12:1-2). We put off demonic anger holding us in bondage to an ungodly view of our Father and ourselves. The “old unrenewed self” was once-and-forever crucified with Christ (Col 3:9; Jas 1:21; 1Pe 2:1). Therefore, we need to make a conscious decision to “put off and discard” that which is dead (Matt 19:16-22; Act 2:37-38; Rom 13:12-14). Restoration: Putting On Our New, Spiritual Identity God completely restores (rescues the helpless from destruction, Jas 5:15) the born-again believer at salvation. However, living daily in restoration (katartizō continuous present) is like the resetting of a dislocated bone. It is tough. For this reason, the word suggests the need for patience and perseverance in the process (Gal 6:1; Phil 4:6). The effect of restoration is an accurate God- and self-perception; it brings us back to a spiritual tone of mind and heart (Jas 5:16). No longer does the past define who we are. Instead, what Christ did for us and in us defines our person. We are not sinners saved by grace but saints growing by grace. We are not here to gratify perverted sexual desires; we are here to glorify God. We are not here to serve the stinking devil. We are here to fellowship with God. Thus, He keeps us safe as our soul begins to change (2Cor 2:5-11). In order to heal emotional wounds God bruised Jesus for our iniquities (Isa 53:5). He bled inwardly to renew (anakainōsis ‘to make new again, to make differently’) our soul (mind, will, emotions, personality). We restore our soul by feeding it godly ideals, attitudes, values, and beliefs (Rom 12:2; 1Tim 4:7-16). Thus, to the forefront comes the “real” us - the person God created. He changes our decision-making process, our belief system, and our worldview. To break generational/ancestral curses Christ redeemed us “from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us” (Gal 3:13). The Law is not a curse; it is God’s word. Rejecting faith to observe a law of rituals or to trust in our flesh is the curse (Gal 3:3). Nevertheless, outward conformity to religious rules cannot render an inner spiritual transformation that sets us free. Since sanctification is a work of grace, no amount of Christian activity can restore us to a spiritual tone of mind and heart. Therefore, the generational curse of iniquity – the demonic yoke of unbelief – remains intact and continues to infect the family tree. Through faith in the finished work of Christ the curse of iniquity is broken, and our belief-system is “renewed” (ananeoō to make recent) “in the spirit” of our minds. We grow a “fresh mental and spiritual attitude” (Eph 4:23) by feeding it the recently acquired message of faith. In other words, we change our view and purpose to accept the will of God in our inner selves instead of rejecting His will. Next, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we “put on the new nature – the regenerate self created in God’s image” (Eph 4:24). Our spirit came alive when the Spirit regenerated us into new creatures in Christ (2Cor 5:17; Titus 3:5), but we are still babes. Sanctification begins with a conscious decision to “put on” (a decisive one-time act) our new spiritual self, literally ‘to put on according to what God is’ (Col 3:1ff; 2Pe 1:4). The word “new” (kainos) is the sense of a fresh, distinctive character that was unknown before salvation. Like Gomer, we need to put on our new identity because it was included in the redemption price. The Spirit trains our “young” spiritual self in the discipline and admonition of the Lord. We nurture our new identity by feeding it the recently learned truth of our Father’s unconditional acceptance and the dignity. As our true nature comes forth, we will be “Godlike in true righteousness and holiness” (Gal 6:15; 1Thes 2:10). To break bondage to habitual sins Jesus bled outwardly (Isa 53:5); we cannot effect lasting change in our behavior until our soul and spirit line up with the truth of God. When what we believe agrees with God’s truth, instead of passing on a satanic curse of unbelief, we pass on a godly spiritual inheritance of faith.

B. He Forgave Us (1:7b)


“In Him we have the remission – the forgiveness - of our offenses” 1. Forgiveness Explained (Mark 2:5) The Father Begs Us to Come Into His Presence Since God forgave us, we no longer have to believe that we are unclean and unable to stand in His presence. Instead, we as saints inherit the freedom of expression (Heb 4:16). “Boldly” (‘saying all’) means to empty passionately our hearts before God with that confidence which begets downright honest, frank, and open speech. “Draw near” (vb. present tense) means to form a habit of approaching God’s throne constantly and continually. Since Jesus, the Son of God, “has already ascended and passed through the heavens,” we enjoy free unencumbered access to our heavenly Father. We confidently pour out our hearts to Him and seek His help. “Throne of grace” corresponds with God’s presence from which His grace flows to His people. In the OT, only the high priest could enter God’s presence. Here, all saints are encouraged to enter. With this in mind, we must fearlessly pursue God’s favor and make it a priority. A take-it-or- leave-it attitude will beget nothing. However, to pursue Him as our indispensable necessity will bring about mercy for our failures and grace to sustain us. The Son Delineates the Full Scope of Forgiveness “And when Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven [you] and put away [that is]: · The Penalty Remitted: We are God-acquitted “Forgiveness” (n. aphesis) denotes a loosing from that which binds (Mk 3:29; Col 1:14). This is justification. God deals with us as if we never sinned. We are in a safe setting in which God can uncover the stronghold of anger and resentment buried in our soul and break the bonds of hatred that generate sin. · The Sense of Guilt and Shame Removed: We are God-approved Since Christ paid the penalty, “forgiveness” (aphiēmi) denotes the cancellation of a debt, the release from punishment due. Hence, self-flagellation, self-condemnation, and unforgiveness are wrong. “By this we shall come to know (and understand) that we are of the Truth, and can reassure (quiet) our hearts in His presence, whenever our hearts in [tormenting] self-accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us. [For we are in God’s hands.] For He is greater than our consciences (our hearts), and He knows everything. And, beloved, if our consciences (hearts) do not accuse us [do not make us feel guilty and condemn us], we have confidence (boldness) before God” (1John 3:19-21). Letting the offences go, letting them drop is a necessary habit to develop (Mk 11:25). Then, God completely extracts the anger - the cause of sin – along with the guilt and shame of sin. We no longer have the right to let the shame of forgiven sin control us because Jesus “accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt” (Heb 1:3). All guilt and shame belongs to Him because He bought it with His blood. Thus, He has the authority to drop all the charges against us and to destroy all of the indictments (Isa 44:21-23; Micah 7:18). · Made Upright - in Right Standing: We are God-emancipated “Upright” (orthos a line of direction) figuratively refers to the paths of righteousness (Acts 14:10; Heb 12:13). “Right” (euthus ‘to make straight, to rectify the crooked’) refers to the moral transformation that places us in right standing with God. Repentance turns us back to the paths of righteousness; to head in the right direction. Restoration cultivates the moral transformation that keeps us in right standing with God. Released from custody, we are free to act in righteousness and have God’s authority for such action. Now, the truth that helps us to conform to God’s revealed will dictates the direction of our path. “Therefore, since we are now justified – acquitted and brought into right relationship with God – by Christ’s blood, how much more [certain is it that] we shall be saved by Him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more [certain], now that we are reconciled, that we shall be saved – daily delivered from sin’s dominion – through His [resurrection] life. (Rom 5:9-10). 2. Our Father’s Forgiveness Measured (1:7c-10) Measured For Daily Living (1:7c-8) Our Father’s forgiveness is “in accordance with the riches - the generosity - of His gracious favor.” The measure of His forgiveness is equal to that of His grace. “Riches” (n. ploutos) are “spiritual riches possessed by God and exercised towards men.” Through His gracious favor He offered a comprehensive, eternal forgiveness for past and future sins (Col 2:13-14; 1Jn 1:9; 2:12). Once we agree with and recognize our forgiveness, He generously bequeaths the infinite riches of His acceptance (approval) and worth (dignity). He does not mete out His riches begrudgingly, or according to our behavior. Instead, He generously bestows His gracious favor because we are His. Furthermore, His gracious forgiveness is “exercised toward men.” The beauty of His mercy is that all saints are equal before God - everyone receives an equal share of His riches. God does not shortchange or deny forgiveness (Heb 13:8). No one has to perform penance or try to be perfect. He lavishes forgiveness upon all who believe. Being angry with God and rejecting His forgiveness makes it impossible for us to hear His voice or obey His word. However, Our Father’s gracious forgiveness lets us hear “every kind of wisdom” from Him. “Wisdom” (sophia) is the ability to discover and to know His truth (1Cor 2:16). To hear His voice daily we need to obey His word daily. Obedience does not equal Christian activity. Obedience means that we believe God’s word. To believe in the rich, generosity of His gracious forgiveness is to obey. Nevertheless, knowledge without understanding is useless. Forgiveness makes it possible for us to receive “every kind of understanding.” Understanding (phronēsis) is the daily practical application of wisdom (1Thes 4:1). Understanding is experienced and skilled in the doctrine of righteousness, and trained by practice to distinguish between good and evil (Hebrews 5:13-14). “Practice what you have learned, heard, and seen in me, model your way of living on it, and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil 4:9). Measured for Eternal Living (1:9-10) “Making known to us the mystery of His will. [And it is this]: In accordance with His good pleasure which He had previously purposed in Him, [He planned] for the maturity of the times to unify all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on the earth.” Only through forgiveness, can our Father make “known to us the mystery of His will.” The word “mystery” does not shroud His will in mysticism. Just the opposite is true. God always wants us to understand “His merciful intention – which He had previously purposed and set forth in Him, to unify all things in Christ.” Our omniscient Father foresaw the fall of man. Thus, before the foundation of the world, “in accordance with His good pleasure,” He “purposed and set forth” in Christ the plan of redemption and forgiveness. He wants us to know and understand this plan so that we may walk upright, free from the anger caused by false guilt and shame. “He planned for the maturity of the times” to accomplish His will. The word “times” (kairos) refers to ‘the critical niche in time’ in which God implemented His plan. He chose that fitting moment in human history for the death of Jesus on the cross, to begin the restoration process that would restore us to eternal fellowship with God. “In accordance with His good pleasure” we enjoy His gracious favor and spiritual peace while we live on this earth. More importantly, our Father has “planned for the climax of the ages” - at the end of human history – to complete the restoration process. At that critical niche in time, Christ will reign as the Head over all creation and unify everything under His throne. He will gather the “things in heaven” (spiritual aspects of creation) and the “things on the earth” (physical aspects of creation) and present them as a whole to our Father, to live in harmony.

Questions to Identify a Weakness of Faith


Questions to Identify a Weakness of Faith 1. What stops me from believing that God has given me a new identity? 2. How do I define me? Someone’s sex toy? Untrustworthy? Unclean? A failure? No good? 3. How do I use Christian activities to earn acceptance and worth from God and people? 4. Why am I angry with God? Why am I depressed? Why do I feel guilty and ashamed? 5. What makes saying “No!” so difficult? Do I even have a right to say “no” to others? 6. What stops me from sharing my heart and my thoughts with God and other people? 7. Who told me that people would never accept me for who I am as a person? 8. What happened to make me believe that my worth and dignity depends on what people think, or on what I do for people? The only way to overcome satanic lies is to rehearse continuously God’s eternal truth. It does not matter how we “feel” about the truth. Our job is to speak truth into our lives and into our relationships until truth dictates our thoughts and actions.

Chapter 3

Three Blessings for Emotional Healing

Ephesians (1:4–14)