254. Redemption and Forgiveness
Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.
The promise of redemption and forgiveness is considered to be the same thing in this context. If we are redeemed, it is because we are forgiven; if we are forgiven, then we have been redeemed. Redemption and forgiveness are treated as present possessions: “we have” them; we are redeemed and we are forgiven; this is not something for the future only.
Redeem has the root meaning of “buy back;” someone is bought back with a ransom price from either slavery or kidnapping. We were under the forced control of someone else, in this case Sin, Death, and the Devil. We know the ransom price. Satan had a right to rule our lives, for our willing, and even unwilling, sin gives the Devil the right to govern and control our lives, and he does just that for evil and not for good. The purchase price of our redemption is the blood of Jesus Christ. Because of the innocent suffering and death of Christ Satan no longer has any legal right to rule and direct our lives, our thoughts, and our behavior. He still tries and tempts, but we have the authority to say, “Get behind me, you have no legal right any longer. I belong to a new master.” With shouts of joy and victory we proclaim, “We have been redeemed!” I may pray confidently, “Deliver us from the Evil One.” I am free; I have been baptized; I have a new life.
And I have the forgiveness of sins. Not only is each and every individual sin I have ever committed or ever will commit forgiven and taken away never to be seen again, but also Me, the person, the sinner, is forgiven. Jesus the Person died for me the whole person. Because I am forgiven I have open access to God and the throne of heaven. Because I am forgiven I have access to a new life, a righteous life, abundant life, God’s life, eternal life. Forgiveness is not just a ritual, it is a real and effective transaction; forgiveness is not just on paper, it is a legal documentand it stands up in the court of heaven; forgiveness is not words only, it is a real transaction that has taken place in the heavenlies and it is bindingon earth and in heaven forever. Forgiveness is a mighty fortress, an impenetrable wall, a secure hiding place in God.
In Jesus Christ we have, we own, and we possess redemption and forgiveness of sins freely signed in the blood of Jesus, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and deliveredthrough the Gospel. Enjoy!