But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God–and righteousness and sanctification and redemption–that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”
1 Corinthians 1: 30, 31
Jesus as Redeemer. If you read this blog and know Christ as your Redeemer, I hope your heart will overflow abundantly as you worship corporately this morning with your church family. If you have come upon this blog and do not profess Jesus as Lord, then my prayer is that you would read on and learn exactly why His redemption is life changing.
Redemption is a word that brings to mind the purchase of something, like at a store. The definition is ‘the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt’. You may wonder how in the world would Jesus be our redeemer then? When was I for sale?!?
God’s perfect creation (us) was marred by sin as you may remember from the first Lent reading. Because of this sin, mankind was no longer in union with our holy God. Because all had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, the result would be death. We had incurred an enormous debt (sin) and there would be no way we could ever pay it off. Whenever we think we can do a good deed and ‘make it up’ or add points to our cosmic checklists, we are trying to pay off that debt of sin in our own abilities. But, it’s futile. A perfect sacrifice would have to be made in order to bring us back to that untarnished relationship that Adam and Eve enjoyed before the fall. I can’t give anything to satisfy the wrath of God; I must depend fully upon One who would pay my ransom.
Nothing in my hand I bring
simply to the Cross I cling
naked, come to Thee for dress
helpless, look to Thee for grace
foul, I to the fountain fly
wash me, Savior, or I die.
(Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me)
Jesus redeemed His children through His sacrificial death on the Cross. He paid our ransom. He did the impossible for us…because nothing is impossible for God.
If you are a child of God, you are redeemed from oppression, bondage to sin, the curse of the law, empty religion, the power of Satan, the coming judgment, death. Praise God!
Christ redeemed us to make us pure, so we could receive God’s promised blessings, so our sins may be forgiven and for the final redemption (Ephesians 4: 30).
We all need Him. Do you realize that today? His redemptive power brings about freedom! I pray that you see this need afresh and that your response would be praise and worship of our great God.
My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You,
And my soul, which You have redeemed.
Psalm 71: 23
“Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for providing the only means for our redemption through Jesus Christ. As I look to the Cross and the complete and perfect sacrifice of Jesus on it and His miraculous resurrection from the dead, I rejoice with Job and say, ‘For I know that my Redeemer lives!’ We are no longer bound to our sin; we are free and covered in His righteousness. We praise You! Amen.”
Love, Wendy
