24 Days to Reflect on God's Heart for Redemptionნიმუში

Redemption as forgiveness of our sins

The transformation from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of light, the kingdom of Jesus, brings with it the forgiveness of sins. Paul says to the Colossians (Colossians 1:14) that we have been resettled to the kingdom of the Son God loves “in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” True redemption of our lives starts with the opportunity to be forgiven for our sins, to receive the grace that God has for us through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

The word in the Greek language of Paul’s day for redemption in this passage is apolutrosis, meaning a “releasing, on payment of a ransom … indicating both the liberation from the guilt and doom of sin and the introduction into a life of liberty and newness.” The payment for our sins was the ransom Jesus paid with his own life that provides release for us from the slavery and bondage to sin and the dominion of darkness into the kingdom of his son.

The ransom is the “purchase-money in freeing slaves.” This makes all things new for every person related to Jesus through faith. In Christ, we are no longer slaves to the dominion of sin, but we are free to live a life fully redeemed for God’s purpose and for his Kingdom. Through the blood of Jesus Christ, God made complete payment to buy us out of the slavery to sin and release us from the domain of darkness, transferring us to his kingdom.

Everything Satan intended for evil, God reverses for good through redemption. This cosmic transaction not only determines the eternal destiny of our souls but the reality of the Kingdom of God in our lives on Earth. In redemption, our lives, our purpose, our families, our neighborhood, our community, and our circle of influence come into the range of potential transformation by the presence of God’s kingdom. You have the opportunity to have your life redeemed in this way by receiving God’s gift of redemption, turning away from sin, and living in the freedom of his love for you.

Reflection question:

• After reading Colossians 1:13-14, what stands out the most in the redeeming work of Jesus for you?