for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ~Romans 2:23,24
When once our hearts are awakened to the truth of our own sin against God and our need for salvation, understanding we can be made right and reconciled to God as a free gift certainly comes as “Good News.” Salvation and forgiveness of sin is indeed a precious gift and, according to this passage in the book of Romans, can be only found in Christ Jesus. Pastor explained to us this past Sunday that means salvation is found in what Jesus alone did for sinners. What He accomplished for us is called redemption.
knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. ~1 Peter 1:18,19
Continuing with our “Big Words – Deep Truths” series on communion Sundays, Pastor unfolded for us what redemption is all about through a series of questions:
- What is redemption?
- Who is the redeemer?
- Who are the redeemed?
- What is the ransom price?
- How is it received?
Redemption is the whole process by which Jesus came into this world and paid our debt for sinning against God and then setting us free to be adopted into God’s family, never to return to our slavery to sin. Redemption is the heart and soul of salvation and there can be no doubt that it came at a great price. The Apostle Peter tells us here in these two verses the price was beyond the value of silver and gold. Our purchase from sin to freedom and reconciliation with God was so costly that it required God Himself in the person of Jesus Christ to pay it all.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, ~Ephesians 1:7
I hope you have been meditating on this wonderful word “redemption” this week and the deep, God glorifying truth behind it. Redemption is meant by God to unite a people freed from sin, for Himself, together in one body and under one head; redemption is meant to bring glory, praise and honor to Jesus.
making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. ~Ephesians 1:9-12
Praise God for our redeemer, Jesus Christ! Although the grave awaits us, there is now hope for what lies beyond it. Life and immortality await those who have been redeemed, those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ! In one beautiful redemptive act, Jesus offered His life for ours. Let us rejoice today regardless of whatever affliction troubles us, because someday the eternal life Jesus purchased with His own sinless blood will be ours. It will be without pain and sickness, it will be without crying or trouble, and it will no longer be affected by the ravages of time or destined to the grave. Redemption is a beautiful word and worthy of your meditation!
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. ~Galatians 4:4-7