Bible Reading: Numbers 22; Mark 1:15-45
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” – Ephesians 1:7
When our sins are forgiven, we have redemption. To be redeemed means “to be bought back,” or “to be ransom.” Through the payment of His blood, given as a sacrifice on our behalf, Jesus bought us back from the kingdom of darkness and Satan for God.
In Romans 7:14, Paul said, “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.” This was liken to the Roman cultural context of his day. The phrase “sold under sin” relates to the Roman slave market. Where someone being sold as a slave had to stand on a block, and from a post behind him, a spear was extended over his head. So, Paul said, “I am carnal, sold under the spear of my sin,” he has no options if he is for sale.
When a person is a slave, he has no choices. It is whatever the owner of the slave deems appropriate for the slaves that they follow. Two women may be sold in the same market; the owner might make one a cook, the other a prostitute.
The same is true with sinners in this present world. Where self righteous sinners may think they are good, respectable sinners and look down on prostitutes and drug addicts. But they are all bound by the same slave owner who determines the slave’s service.
The good news is that Jesus walked into the slave market and said, “I have buy him/her;. Satan, I’ve paid the price for their sins.These are now My sons and daughters.” “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” 1 Corinthians 7:23. That is redemption, and it comes only through the forgiveness of sins. This is what Jesus did for us on the cross of calvary to pay the price of our sins and redeem us back to God. We are no longer slaves to sin and Satan. We have been bought with the precious blood of Jesus to serve the living God. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:” – 1 Peter 1:18-19 KJV
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus for Your redemptive work of salvation.
Pst Alfred Samuel