Christian Redemption

Galatians 3:13 NKJV “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”)

Redemption is a biblical word that means “a purchase” or “a ransom.” Historically, redemption was used in reference to the purchase of a slave’s freedom. A slave was “redeemed” when the price was paid for his freedom. The use of redemption in the New Testament implies this same idea. Every person born in the first Adam is a slave to sin; only through the price Jesus paid on the cross is a sinful person redeemed from sin and death. Redemption provides several benefits for the believer: eternal life (1 John 5:11), forgiveness of sin (Ephesians 1:7), a right relationship with God (Romans 5:17), peace with God (Colossians 1:18-20), the Holy Spirit to live within (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), power to reign in life (Revelation 5:9-10), and adoption into God’s family (Galatians 4:5). Titus 2:13-14 says Jesus “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession.” When we are redeemed, we become different people. We have a new identity in Christ. We should no longer be a captive to sin. We are now citizens of God’s kingdom. We live in anticipation of our eternal home with our heavenly Father. Jesus paid a high price for our redemption, the ultimate sacrifice of His own life to free us from sin. Let us live as the redeemed, and no more in bondage (Galatians 5:1)!

 

 

Lifting Up the Downcast

Psalm 42:11 NKJV “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”

Life can bring us many challenges, uncertainties, and regrets. Sometimes, like the Psalmist, we are downcast and disturbed, dejected and in turmoil, anxious and fearful, overwhelmed, even despairing. We think probably God seems far away and we feel alone, deprived of joy. We can become discouraged. Depression can set it. But Scripture records many instances of men and women who glorified God while facing a season of discouragement and despair (Acts 16:25). As a believer in Christ Jesus, there should be no reason for discouragement, no matter what cause and conditions may arise. Christians should not fall into discouragement or depression because of any life’s challenges. No matter what is going on around us the Word of God can bring peace, comfort and strength (Psalm 23, Psalm 34:19). Then, like the psalmist, we can once more put our hope in God and praise Him, expecting things are going to work out for our good and for God’s glory. I pay this scripture will strengthen you today: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13)!