Beech Tree News Network

           When one wishes to know about God, it is imperative that one spends time reading and studying the Bible. Knowing what the Bible says will give us insight into who God is and why we are on this earth. Through a study of the Bible, we will soon learn that the Bible itself has a theme. This theme is redemption. Specifically, the redemption of mankind from sin.

             What is redemption? Redemption has to do with paying a ransom or being released because someone else paid the ransom. Often, some will use the phrase “bought back” to describe the action of redemption. Perhaps we are familiar with the idea of “redeeming coupons”? When someone has a coupon for a free item, this does not mean the manufacturer is never paid. Redeeming a coupon simply means that the bearer does not pay the price. Someone else will pay the price for that “free” item!

             In Bible terms, our “redemption” is far greater than redeeming coupons. Peter told the Christians “scattered abroad”, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (I Pet. 1:18-19). Furthermore, it is Christ who said His blood was “shed for many” (Matt. 26:28). He “tasted death for every man” (Heb. 2:9).

             Redemption is spoken of again by the apostle Paul when he wrote to Titus and said, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14). Notice in this passage that Paul said Christ redeemed us “from” something. What was it? He redeemed us from iniquity or sin! Isaiah said that sin is what separates us from God (Isa. 59:1-2), and Paul tells Titus that Christ died in order to redeem us “from” that “iniquity”!

             Even now there is a call for men and women to be redeemed from sin. Leave the kingdom of Satan and be transplanted into the kingdom of His dear Son (Col. 1:13). The way we come into this kingdom is by being cleansed by the blood of Christ (Rev. 1:5). Hebrews 9:15 says that Christ’s shed blood redeemed those under the first covenant, and I Peter 1:19 says Christ’s blood redeems people today.

             How can I be redeemed? I need to submit to the Lord’s plan of salvation. I need to hear the truth of God’s word, believe on Christ, repent of my sin, confess my faith in Christ, and be baptized for the remission of sin (Rom. 10:17; Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3; Rom. 10:10; Mk. 16:16; etc.). God has done all He is going to do. It is now up to us. Will we listen to the Bible’s theme and be redeemed?

 -- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167