WE HAVE REDEMPTION
Jack Davis
THE POSSESSION
“We have redemption” – Oh, what a blessed element of divine enrichment! Our apostle Paul writes of this as our precious, present, personal possession. This has become ours by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This possession contains for us prospects that are most promising.
THE PRICE
“Through his blood” – This expression tells us what it cost to give us redemption. This is of the greatest value to both God and man.
“They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves 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 soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever) that he should still live for ever, and not see corruption” – Psa. 49:6-9.
How could any one estimate what great value God placed upon His beloved Son? “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down at the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool” – Heb. 10:12-13. “…by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” – Heb. 9:12. Our redemption is not of that which is corruptible, I Peter 1:18-19, but of that eternal person of Jesus Christ, “…who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption’ – I Cor. 1:30.
THE PARDON
“The forgiveness of sins” – Thank God, He was totally satisfied, when Jesus paid the full penalty on the cross, purchasing our freedom from the guilt of sin. Jesus speaking to His disciples said, “…this is my blood…which is shed for many for the remission of sins” – Mt. 26:28. Paul wrote, “…without the shedding of blood is no remission” – Heb. 9:22. Glory to God, we are acquitted of our sin, because Jesus poured out His precious life blood in payment of ransom that righteous justice demanded. Praise God, we who were sold under sin, in sin’s slave market, have been set free, released for payment of ransom. Oh, what marvelous grace!
THE PROVISION
“According to the riches of his grace” – Only by the Holy Spirit can we comprehend the merit and measure of such marvelous provision. How can divine forgiveness be measured? Certainly not by such poverty as our goodness. How great is my sin? Am I not guilty of the death of God’s beloved, sinless Son? Is not God’s grace as great an any, or all my sin? Oh, Yes, it is greater than all my sin. How else could one measure redemption, what worth, what works, on whose merit? How much can we do to earn it, gain it? How much must we do to retain eternal redemption? Let us ever rejoice, accepting our Father’s figures, that our redemption is only and ever merited on such measureless wealth as the “riches of his grace.”
THE POSITION
“…wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved” Eph. 1:6. Where could we find a greater degree of acceptance with God? Has God accepted our Redeemer? Has He ever said of Jesus, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased?” Where could you purchase a greater, better or safer standing? He has redeemed us to make us kings and priest unto God. Are here higher credentials to the throne of the universe? Thank God, we may know our position “in Christ.” Are we using this access? Are we drawing on this exhaustless account? If not, WHY NOT?
THE PRAISE
“To the praise of the glory of his grace…” To whom does the praise belong for our redemption? To whom will it go for eternity? Who are we giving the glory to now?
“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.”
“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders” Psa. 107:1-2,31-32.
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forger not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s” Psa. 103:1-5.
