One of the most wonderful themes in Scripture is the theme of redemption. The term “redeem” conveys the idea of deliverance or ransom. Biblical redemption has a cost, and Scripture declares that the price of man’s redemp- tion is the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19; Ephesians 1:7). Heaven is singing this song of redemption even as you read this article (Revelation 5:9)!
The Psalmist wrote: “He sent redemption to His people; He commanded His covenant forever: holy and awesome is His name.” (Psalm 111:9) How precious is the fact that “with the LORD there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption.” (Psalm 130:7) Man’s redemption is the gracious gift of God in and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24). This redemption, which we commemorate this morning in the Lord’s Supper, is through His blood and is “the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). After our new birth in Christ (John 3:3-8; 1 Peter 1:23), we are sealed with the Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 1:13,14), and are eternally secure (Hebrews 9:12).
Having been bought with such a price (1 Corinthians 6:20), we need to constantly remember that we have been redeemed from a sinful way of life to a life that is now lived for good works and the glory of God (Titus 2:14). It is impossible for any man or woman to redeem themselves, or anybody else for that matter (Psalm 49:6-9). But the good news is that Jesus Christ came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) and to deliver us from Satan’s power (Acts 26:17-18; Colossians 1:13). Jesus did not come to destroy us; He came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).
Praise the Lord for His glorious redemption! Because of Christ’s sacrifice for our sin, the veil that separated man from God has been torn in two (Mark 15:38), and we, by grace through faith in Jesus, can now boldly enter into the presence of the Lord (Hebrews 4:14-16) and have sweet fellowship with our Redeemer (Ephesians 2:18). Glory be to His Name!
