Accepting Redemption
Recently, I prayed with my daughter at bedtime and used the word "sacrifice." She flipped over, wide-eyed, and asked, "Does someone need to die now?” Caught off guard, I paused and thought - Easter just passed. She'd been in 3 church services and attends a Christian school. Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection were fresh in her mind- I got this. We talked and I briefly explained Old Testament sacrifice. Jesus was the atonement for our sins, and we don't need to atone for our sins anymore because Jesus paid the price for us to be reconciled to the Father. It is finished. “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, ‘It is finished,’ and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30).
"Oh, okay. Good night, Mom."
Phew!
Children have a way of asking thought-provoking questions. While I don't react the same way as my daughter when I hear the word, “sacrifice,” I am emotionally moved by the word "redeemed." Growing up, I did not experience much grace and felt weighed down by my mistakes. It wasn't until I experienced redemption through Christ that I understood what grace truly felt like.
Redemption requires an exchange. When we redeem a ticket, we get access to something valuable. However, the redemptive ticket we have was not earned by us; it was a gift. Accepting this can be difficult, but the Bible assures us that God's love and favor flow over us freely because of what Jesus did for us.
We read in Romans 3:24, "Yet through his powerful declaration of acquittal, God freely gives away his righteousness. His gift of love and favor now cascades over us, all because Jesus, the Anointed One, has liberated us from the guilt, punishment, and power of sin!"
Accepting our redemption can be challenging, especially if we struggle with feelings of unworthiness. But it is important to recognize that we have been redeemed by the Lord, regardless of our past mistakes or present circumstances. Accepting this truth helps complete our identity in Christ.
If accepting redemption is difficult for you, take some time to reflect on why that might be. Meditate on Scripture passages like Isaiah 44:21-23, Psalm 107, Psalm 111, and Lamentations 3:55-60 to deepen your understanding of what redemption means. Remember, the price has already been paid for you, and it is finished.
by Pastor April Cannistraci