Redemption, 1of3

~ Some Basics of Redemption ~

The Word Means to Buy Back and Set Free  ~  Consider a person who purchases something of significant value.  Later they turn it over to the control of a pawn shop.  Eventually they go back to the pawn shop and redeem (literally buy back or buy for a second time) their possession.  For a time it was under the control of the pawn shop owner.  This is the Biblical meaning of redeem.  Jesus Christ owns us by virtue of creation.  Because of the Fall of man in the Garden of Eden we all came under the control of another.  At the Cross of Calvary Jesus Christ redeemed us (bought us a second time).

 

Man’s Ruin  ~  “For thus says the Lord: ‘You have sold yourselves for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money’” (Isaiah 52:3).  “Jesus answered them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.  And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.  Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed’” (John 8:34-36).  “For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.  What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed?  For the end of those things is death.  But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:20-23).

Man’s Helplessness  ~  “Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity at my heels surrounds me?  Those who trust in their wealth and boast in the multitude of their riches, none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him — for the redemption of their souls is costly [it took the blood of the Son of God], and it shall cease forever — that he should continue to live eternally, and not see the Pit” (Psalm 49:5-9).  “Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, ten thousand rivers of oil?  Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul” (Micah 6:7). 

A Redeemer Provided  ~  “Then He is gracious to him, and says, ‘Deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have found a ransom’” (Job 33:24).  “He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name” (Psalm 111:9). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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