Introduction
Many think that Jesus came only to set an example of holy living and to teach us to love one another. While He did provide such example and teaching, His chief work was “to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). Jesus came to redeem us from enemies that would destroy us forever: sin, death and the devil.
- What do you mean when you say that Jesus has redeemed you from all sin?
When I say that Jesus has redeemed me from all sin, I mean that He has redeemed me from the guilt, the punishment and the power and rule of sin.
- What do you mean when you say that Jesus has redeemed you from death?
When I say that jesus has redeemed me from death, I mean that because He died for my sins- spiritual death has lost its power,
- temporal death has become and entrance into life in heaven and
- eternal death has no claim on me. (See Question 123.)
- What do you mean when you say that Jesus has redeemed you from the power of the devil?
When I say that Jesus has redeemed me from the power of the devil, I mean that because of the death of Jesus, the devil has lost his hold over me, so that I need serve him no more.
- With what has Jesus redeemed you?
Jesus has redeemed me, not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death.
- Why is the blood of Jesus called “holy and precious”?
The blood of Jesus is called holy and precious because it is the blood of the Son of God and therefore cleanses from all sin.
- Why are the suffering and death of Jesus called “innocent”?
The suffering and death of Jesus are called innocent, because He Himself did not have any guilt for which He had to suffer and die.
- Whom has Jesus redeemed?
Jesus has redeemed all people – including me.
- What treasures do we have because of Jesus’ redemption?
Because of Jesus redemption, we have the forgiveness of sins; and where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.
- For what purpose has Jesus redeemed you?
Jesus has redeemed me in order that I might be His own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness.
Conclusion
With His holy life and innocent death, Jesus has redeemed all people. He has brought the world back to God (universal reconciliation) and blessed us with the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. People can add nothing to the work of Christ, for He Himself said, “It is finished!” (John 19:30). They are simply to believe and trust in their Redeemer and honor Him with praises and holy living.
Hymn
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood
From Thy riven side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure,
Cleanse me from its guilt and pow’r. (ELH 286:1)
Bible Readings
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