THE BIBLE AND REDEMPTION

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV.)

NCE (English); Dip (Computer Studies); ND/HD (Journalism); Dip, BA (Theology) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939 E-mail: professorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

THE BIBLE AND REDEMPTION
Presented by Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Devotional Text: Col. 1:12-16

INTRODUCTION:

The BBC English Dictionary defines the word, “redemption”, as freedom from the consequences of sin and evil which Christians believe was made possible by the death of CHRIST”. This definition agrees with the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossian church in which he gives thanks to our GREAT GOD and FATHER, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light, having rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the SON HE loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (3:12-14). Therefore, “since you call on a FATHER who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious BLOOD of CHRIST, a LAMB without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:17-19)

GENERAL REMARKS

(1)       The Redemption of CHRIST sets free from the slavery of the basic principles of this world, and gives the full rights of sons,(Gal. 4:1-6)

(2)       JESUS CHRIST, our GREAT GOD and SAVIOUR ... “gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good”, (Titus 2:14)

(3)       The Redemption of CHRIST is the basis for justification of mankind, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory

 of GOD,(Rom. 3:21-24)

(4)       The Redemption of CHRIST is equally the basis for our adoption and forgiveness of sin, through His BLOOD,(Eph. 1:3-7)

THE REDEEMER AND HIS LOVE FOR MANKIND

In HIS WORD, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13), the LORD shows HIS redemptive love for humankind, which could only be demonstrated by giving HIS LIFE for our sins, (Eph. 1:3-7). The redemption of JESUS CHRIST is the SUPREME PRICE of love and notably the only DIVINE ACT that brought humanity back to GOD since “the punishment that brought us peace was upon HIM and by HIS WOUNDS we are healed”, ( Isa. 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). We all, likes sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way.” And the LORD has laid on HIM the iniquity of us all, (vs. 6; vs. 25). No controversy, it is the LOVE of GOD that prompted the act of redemptive....”not that we loved HIM, but that HE loved us and sent HIS SON, as an atoning sacrifice for our sins, (1 John 4:10). And, the Holy Scripture further confirms this, when it says that, “GOD demonstrates HIS OWN LOVE for us in this; while we were still sinners, CHRIST died for us”, (Rom. 5:8). This, then, shows that the redemption of JESUS CHRIST:

(i)                    Is GOD’s Supreme Price of love for humanity, (John 15:13; Rom.5:8)

(ii)                  Demonstrates GOD’s LOVE for those who have no love for HIM (1 John 4:10; Rom. 5:8)

(iii)                 Shows the readiness of the LORD to save humanity, who made themselves enemies of GOD through sin, (vs. 8-11)

THE REDEEMER AND THE FORGIVENESS OF THE SINS OF MANKIND

The forgiveness of sins is made possible, and can only be obtained by seekers of forgiveness from the LORD through the redemption of JESUS CHRIST. To this end, the Holy Scripture says ... “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the SON HE Loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, (Col. 3:13-14). This reaffirms the truth that forgiveness of sins can only be accessed through JESUS CHRIST, the BLESSED REDEEMER, who is the SON of the LIVING GOD, and makes it absolutely wrong to look elsewhere for the aforementioned. However, that JESUS CHRIST secured the forgiveness of our sins though His redemptive Work does not mean everybody automatically receives the forgiveness of their sins, but simply means that one who desires the forgiveness of one’s sins is now given the opportunity to be granted pardon, as those who becomes negligent will never be forgiven. And, note equally that the prayer of JESUS CHRIST on the Cross, which says, “FATHER forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke. 23:34) does not mean all is forgiven, but means all is given the chance for the forgiveness of their sins. In line with the forgoing, therefore, this lesson opines that:

(i)                    The only REDEEMER who redeems mankind from the sins is JESUS CHRIST, (Col. 3:13)

(ii)                  It is only by HIS redemptive work that forgiveness of sins could be obtained, (vs. 14)

(iii)                 The REDEEMER does not only forgives  sins, but first rescues of the dominion of darkness, (vs. 13-14)

THE REDEEMER AND THE MAKING OF THE HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM

The Scripture, “you are all sons of GOD through faith in CHRIST JESUS, for all of you who were baptised into CHRIST have clothed yourselves with CHRIST. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female for you are all one in CHRIST JESUS. If you belong to CHRIST, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise”(Gal. 3:26-29) shows that the redemption of JESUS CHRIST makes the believers heirs of the promise of the Kingdom of Heaven. However, when we were outside CHRIST, we were like slaves, (Gal. 4:1-3). “But when the time had finally come, GOD sent HIS SON, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons”, (vs. 4-5). Yet, this is not automatic, but for those who would believe and give their lives to our LORD and BLESSES REDEEMER, JESUS CHRIST, whom GOD now sends the SPIRIT of HIS SON into their hearts, the SPIRIT who calls out ABBA, FATHER, (vs. 6). In continuation, GOD’s WORD says to this category of believers ... “You are no longer slaves, but sons, and since you are sons, GOD has made you also heirs, (vs. 7). This confirms that:

(i)                    The redemption of JESUS CHRIST makes those who believe in HIM heirs of the promise of HIS KINGDOM, (Gal. 3:29; 4:4-7)

(ii)                  GOD offers this promise through Abraham, to those who are Abraham’s seeds, who believe in CHRIST, (3:26-29)

(iii)                 The promise is not automatically given to everybody but only to those who believe in CHRIST, (vs. 26-29)

In conclusion, please, reflect that this lesson depicts the REDEEMER’s LOVE, FORGIVENESS and PROMISE to mankind, which only those who believe in HIM can access. REPENT AND BELIEVE THE GOSPEL!