October 29, 2012

redemption – “apolytrosis” – to let go free for a ransom; the recalling of captives from captivity.

1 Peter 1:18 tells us that we were redeemed from the empty way of life.

Ephesians 1:7 tells us we were redeemed through His blood, according to the riches of His grace.

Ephesians 4:30 tells us our redemption is sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 9:12 tells us our redemption is secured eternally.

Galatians 5:1 reminds us that because we have been set free in Christ Jesus, we are not to take on the yoke of slavery again, but instead to stand firm.

All of this is possible because of what we have in Him!

This is a beautiful description of who Christ Jesus is and what we have in Him!

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Then, sweet sisters, remembering who He is, continue to walk faithfully in Christ Jesus-stable, steadfast and not shifting from the hope, redemption, forgiveness and freedom we have in Him!