Bible Verse: But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:21–24
Scripture Reading: Romans 5:1-2; Romans 4:25; Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17
Once you accept Christ, to be authentic means you are true to who you are in Christ; you are loyal to what God says about you through the Scriptures.
You need to view yourself through the lens of redemption and believe His work of grace is an ongoing work in your heart. This allows you to be honest with others about your humanity and your need for integrity, accountability, and taking responsibility for yourself. You are not trying to prove something or hide something; you are at peace with God (Romans 5:1-2), yet you know God is still working some things out in you. You can be real.
Authentic Christianity means embracing God’s ongoing redemptive work in your life. A basic understanding of redemption can help us appreciate what Jesus has done for us.
Some “Redemptive” Facts:
- “Redemption” means to save; to purchase; to gain possession of something in exchange for a price; or to clear a debt.
- Jesus’ death and resurrection secured redemption for all who would believe in Him (Romans 4:25).
- At the price of His own life, Jesus paid for our freedom from the bondage and condemnation of sin (Romans 8:1).
- Everyone needs redemption, and the freedom and authenticity it offers, but not everyone has recognized it yet (Romans 3:23).
- Redemption through Christ makes the believer a new creation in Christ, with a clean slate and a new future (2 Corinthians 5:17).
As you walk with Christ, you will get occasional reminders of the old you, before you met Christ. You will even stumble and disappoint yourself or others at times. In those moments, you may feel like a fake, a phony. But Christ’s redemptive work in you continues; His grace still justifies you and works in you. Like a long freight train at top speed, you won’t stop God’s inner work that easily.
Remember, because Jesus redeemed your life, there is nothing for you to prove and nothing to hide. He knows it all, sees it all, and His sacrifice covers it all. See yourself secure in Christ; it will help you be your most authentic self, with an authentic faith. Nothing fake here.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for the redemptive work of grace working in me right now, all because of Jesus. Thank You for sending Him to save me and give me an authentic faith. Help me remember when I am struggling that Your grace continues, and I am Yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Reflection: When you’re tempted to prove something or hide something because of a moment of disappointment, remember who you belong to and what He is working out in your life. Don’t give up. Do you still see yourself as the old you, or a brand-new creation in Christ, redeemed for better things?
Copyright © 2023 Impactus. All rights reserved.
Alan Wachob
Alan Wachob was born in the United States but Canada has been his adopted home country since he began pastoral ministry in Canada over 30 years ago. He is the senior pastor and founder of True North Church in Milton, Ontario. He and his wife Sherri have two adult children and they all share a passion for Jesus and the local church. Alan’s teaching style is bold, inspiring, and positive and has a way of making Biblical truth easy to grasp for everyday living.
Alan Wachob
Alan Wachob was born in the United States but Canada has been his adopted home country since he began pastoral ministry in Canada over 30 years ago. He is the senior pastor and founder of True North Church in Milton, Ontario. He and his wife Sherri have two adult children and they all share a passion for Jesus and the local church. Alan’s teaching style is bold, inspiring, and positive and has a way of making Biblical truth easy to grasp for everyday living.
FAQs
Christians believe that all people are born into a state of sin and separation from God, and that redemption is a necessary part of salvation in order to obtain eternal life. Leon Morris says that "Paul uses the concept of redemption primarily to speak of the saving significance of the death of Christ."
What is the role of redemption? ›
Christians believe that all people are born into a state of sin and separation from God, and that redemption is a necessary part of salvation in order to obtain eternal life. Leon Morris says that "Paul uses the concept of redemption primarily to speak of the saving significance of the death of Christ."
What are the 4 steps to redemption? ›
How the Four-Step Process of Redemption Can Guide Us Toward Positive Change
- “I shall take you out from under the burdens.” This phrase refers to God stopping the hard labor. ...
- “I shall rescue you.” ...
- “I shall redeem you.” ...
- “I shall take you to Me for a people.”
In Romans 10:9, it says, “That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This verse explains that redemption is not achieved through our own efforts, but through faith in Jesus Christ.
What is the power of redemption? ›
It has the power to restore us back to the status we had with God before the fall. Redemption gives believers the same legal status that Jesus had with the Father, while He was walking on the earth.
What is God's plan for redemption? ›
God, in His plan, made way for the forgiveness of our sins and to remove all guilt. This required someone else, who was innocent, to suffer for us. Jesus. Both our redemption and the forgiveness of our sins come by way of Jesus making payment for them with His blood.
What is the biblical meaning of redemption? ›
Redemption (apolutrósis) refers supremely to the work of Christ on our behalf, whereby he purchases us, he ransoms us, at the price of his own life, securing our deliverance from the bondage and condemnation of sin. The New Testament speaks of Christ's saving work in this way frequently.
What are the two types of redemption? ›
Let's contrast two types of redemption: equitable versus statutory redemption. Equitable redemption is the right of a borrower to redeem the property before the foreclosure sale. Whereas statutory redemption is the right of a defaulting borrower to redeem the property after the foreclosure sale.
What leads to redemption? ›
Confession, repentance, spiritual disciplines, and sanctification pave the way for encountering God's redeeming love in our lives. No one is beyond the reach of Christ's redemption—discover the power of the cross to bring beauty from brokenness and hope from despair.
How do you get redemption in life? ›
Redeeming Yourself to Others after A Badly-Damaged Reputation
- We face prejudice all the time. ...
- 1) Take responsibility for your mistakes.
- 2) Be humble.
- 3) Learn to apologize.
- 1) Seek professional help.
- 2) Surround yourself with good people.
- 3) Self-reflect.
- 4) Set important goals.
Redemption, defined by dictionary.com, is an act of redeeming, rescue, or deliverance from sin. For followers of Christ, we know He is our Rescuer. Ephesians 1:7 states, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.”
What is an example of redemption? ›
Redemption is the buying back of something. You might try for redemption by attempting to buy back a bike you sold, or you might attempt to buy back your soul after you steal someone else's bike.
Why do we seek redemption? ›
It makes us feel “right” with ourselves and removes feelings of unworthiness, doubt, anxiety, and disease.
What are qualities of redemption? ›
The characteristics of redemption are all throughout scripture because that is what God is, a redeeming God. He is humble, he brings us in with a sense of community, and He is quick to act for His children.
Why is redemption important? ›
To deliver us from a frustrated existence. Faith simply means to take God at His word as revealed in the Bible. Placing one's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to redeem, to save, to justify, to forgive us – there are many ways we could say it – is the door into the Christian life.
What is the main idea of redemption? ›
Redemption is the idea of being saved from sin or evil. In Scrooge we see a man who is transformed from a greedy, selfish miser into a generous and good-natured character by the end.
What is the purpose of a redeemer? ›
Easton's Bible Dictionary - Redeemer
Heb. goel; i.e., one charged with the duty of restoring the rights of another and avenging his wrongs ( Leviticus 25:48 Leviticus 25:49 ; Numbers 5:8 ; Ruth 4:1 ; Job 19:25 ; Psalms 19:14 ; 78:35 , etc.).
What does redemptive role mean? ›
/rɪˈdemp.tɪv/ Add to word list Add to word list. (especially in Christianity) saving someone from evil, suffering, etc.: the redemptive power of love, art, and friendship. The book tells a redemptive story of a woman who triumphs over adversity.
What do you mean by redemption? ›
an act of redeeming or atoning for a fault or mistake, or the state of being redeemed. deliverance; rescue. Theology.
