SUNDAY MARCH 14TH, 2021

MEMORY VERSE: - “In whom we have redemption through His blood even the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14).

INTRODUCTION: -The Greek word: Apolutrasis, translated “redemption” refers to the deliverance from sin, it involves deliverance from bondage based on the payment of a price by a Redeemer. Redemption actually means “purchase” or “a ransom” or “a bought back by the payment of a price”. Historically, redemption was used in reference to the purchase of a slave’s freedom. A slave was redeemed when the price was paid for his freedom. The term redemption points out the means by which salvation is obtained – by the payment of a ransom.

1) The State of A Man: All human from Adam to our generation according to the New Testament are alienated or separated from God (Rom.3:10-33), because of our natural tendency to rebel against or defy God and go our own way. Apart from God, we are under the influence and control of satanic and evil power (Acts 10:38; 26:18), we are slave to sin (Rom.6:6-7;14) and we are in need of rescue from sin, guilt, power and consequences (Acts 26:18; rom.1:18; 6:1-18; Eph.5:8; Col.1:13; 1Pt.2:9).

2) The Great Price Paid for Us: Jesus Christ came and paid the debt we owed. He paid the ransom price by shedding His own blood. “For without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin’’ (Heb.9:22). The Lord Jesus gave His life in our place (Mt.20:28; Mk.10:45; 1Corint 6:20; Eph.1:7; Tit.2:14; Heb.9:12; 1Pt.1:18-19). Sin is so opposed to God’s nature and character that it requires the most extreme penalty, which is death (Rom.6:23) and permanent or eternal separation from God. There is no way of escaping that penalty without God’s forgiveness and shedding of blood but God could provide the perfect and complete payment for sin. He did this through the willing sacrifice of His dear son Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Christ’s death provided the perfect and complete payment, and it is sufficient to cover all sin for all time (1Jh.1:7; 2:12). Everyone that accepts Christ sacrifice for him or her and surrenders his or her life to Him receives His gift of forgiveness and eternal life (Jh.3:16; 6:40; Rom.6:23).

3) The Benefits of Redemption: Redemption provides several benefits to all who believe in Christ Jesus and His substitutional death. These include:

- Salvation from sin

- Forgiveness of sin (Rom.5:17)

- Peace with God (Col.1:18-20)

- The Holy Spirit to live within (1Corint.6:19-20)

- Freedom from Satan’s control and guilt and power of sin (Acts 26:18; Rom.6:7; 12, 14, 18; Col.1:13). This freedom from sin does not mean we can do as we please (Rom.6:1-2). Since God has paid the ransom for us, we become His property. Choosing Christ’s freedom from sin makes us willing slaves of God (Acts 26:18; Rom.6:18, 22; 1Corint.6:19-20; 7:22-23).

- We are adopted into God’s family (Rom.8:14-17; Gal.4:5; Tit.2:13-14).

Several instances and teachings in the Old Testament foreshowed and symbolized the redemption work of Christ in the New Testament for all mankind.

The provision of a covering for Adam and his wife Eve (Gen.3:21).

The sacrifice of Isaac substituted with a lamb (Gen.22:7-13).

The greatest was the miraculous deliverance and mass departure of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt culminated with the sacrifice of a lamb without blemish by each house hold (Ex.6:7; 12:26). Like the hymn writer puts it “He gave me a ransom of all the debts I owed. As He gave me, a smile He beamed saying; “Don’t forget me”.

It’s no longer a Ransom. But it’s a Remembrance. That all the burden of Debts Emmanuel Ransomed”!

1. What was the greatest redemptive price ever paid?

2. What are the results of our redemption through the blood of Jesus?