- Foundation
- No comments
Redemption is paying a price (a ransom) in order to free someone from captivity. If you want a concise biblical summary of our need for, as well as the means of redemption, you will find none better than this:
“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” – 1 Corinthians 15:22 (NIV)
The story of redemption is the story of these two men. Adam disobeyed God and it resulted in condemnation for all people. Jesus Christ obeyed God and his one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
Regardless of the devastating consequences of Adam’s disobedience, the redemptive work of Christ reverses those consequences. He is the one who will reconcile our relationship with a holy God. He is the one who will redeem us.
How so?
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” – 1 Timothy 2:5-6a (NIV)
First, there is only one God and we are all separated from that one God.
Second, there is a single mediator between God and humankind; not many different ones as some suggest. Christ is the “negotiator,” who brings in a new arrangement between God and human beings.
Finally, Christ’s death is a “ransom.” He is the one who paid the price to liberate us and set us free from the bondage of sin. Jesus was obedient. He gave himself and died in our place. He paid the ransom with his blood so we can be free.
Freedom comes through Christ alone. However, the freedom is limited to those who respond in faith. If we will just respond in faith:
- The moment we come to Christ, we are justified before a holy God and are freed fully from the PENALTY of sin.
- As we live obedient lives each day, we are being freed increasingly from the POWER of sin.
- Then, one day when we leave this earth, we will finally and forever be freed from the PRESENCE of sin.
Freedom comes through Christ alone. “Therefore if the Son (Christ) sets you free, you really will be free.” – John 8:36 (HCSB)
Your Pastor,
David Hulme
Senior Pastor