I've Been Redeemed!

Even though the word "redemption" appears often in the Scripture, it is not a word commonly used by most of us.  In fact it is used so infrequently that the meaning may be lost on many of us.  The last time I remember using the word with any regularity was back in the days of my childhood when my mother would save and redeem S & H Green Stamps with grocery purchases.  However, in the Biblical story it is a powerful word that touches and transforms the life of all of us who walk the road of faith in Christ.    

When we read the writings of Paul, we hear the Word saying, "they are justified by His grace as a gift through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."  (Romans 3:24)   When we encounter the word redemption it immediately brings to mind the 43rd chapter of Isaiah where God speaks  through the prophet saying, "Do not fear, I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are Mine...I give Egypt as your ransom...Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you."  (Isaiah 43:1, 3)  To read these words and the rest of this particular Old Testament chapter is to be lifted to a place of knowing how securely we belong to God.  And as surely as He made a way to redeem the people of Israel from their exile so has he made a way to deliver us from the dominion of darkness ( Colossians 1:13) and bring us home once again.    

Isaiah speaks of the redemption payment being nations; the gospel speaks of the redemption payment being the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  Ephesians 1:7 says, "In Him (Christ) we have redemption through His blood."   This theological concept of a blood sacrifice for our sins may offend the easily offended sensibilities of some who want to sanitize the cross, but it remains God's work of redemption  for each and every one of us.  And, of course, not all are offended for some see the act of redemption and go on down the road singing with great joy, "I've been redeemed by grace divine, glory, glory, Christ is mine.  All to Him I now resign, I have been redeemed!"