In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins…that he lavished on us… Because of his great love for us, God…is rich in mercy. (Ephesians 1:7–8; 2:4–5)
Redemption means “release from slavery.” Redemption involves buying back and setting free by paying a ransom price. Jesus Christ has redeemed us from sin, setting us free from slavery to that sin.
Notice the wording Paul uses to describe and declare redemption: ”lavish,” “great,” “rich.” We don’t merely have enough to satisfy our penalty. We have “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Our position has dramatically and drastically changed from slavery to freedom. Jesus has come to bring abundant and everlasting life.
Reflect and respond in prayer to the words of John Stott: “I wonder if anything is more urgent today, for the honor of Christ and for the spread of the gospel, than that the church should be, and should be seen to be, what by God’s purpose and Christ’s achievement it already is—a single new humanity, a model of human community, a family of reconciled brothers and sisters who love their Father and who love each other, the evident dwelling place of God by his Spirit. Only then will the world believe in Christ as Peacemaker. Only then will God receive the glory due to his name.”
Prayer Focus: Dominican Republic
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