REDEMPTION

Sin, whether against God or man, whether great or small, whether conscious or inadvertent, whether by omission or commission; can be forgiven because of Christ's sacrificial act on Calvary's cross ...   

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. (Ephesians 1:7)

Mears - 'Redemption' is the most glorious work of God. It is far greater than His work of creation. He spoke a word and worlds were formed ... but it cost Him the life of His beloved Son to redeem mankind.

The result is a 'right standing' before a holy God ... Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity. (Psalm 32:1-2)

In the above passage, David lists three things that sever man's relationship with God:

· Transgression - defying authority.
· Sin - missing the mark.
· Iniquity - distorting the truth.

And three things that restore that relationship, made possible by Christ's redemptive act:

· Forgiven - the lifting of a burden or a debt.

· Covered - that of sacrificial blood.

· Imputes no iniquity - it does not count against the sinner.

Jesus purchased you with His life. Those who surrender to His Lordship become eternal benefactors of God's grace and are called to live as such ... For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:20) 

'Redemption' ... what a wonderful word.