In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight

Ephesians 1:7-8

To redeem something is to buy it back or repurchase it. It also means to be free from what distresses or harms. For example, to be free from captivity by payment of a ransom. A major theme of the Bible can be considered redemption. The Old Testament points to a Redeemer, who will free his people from captivity. When the idyllic, perfect life in the Garden of Eden was interrupted by the disobedience of Adam, there occurred a fall from grace. That broke the intimate, perfect relationship between man and God.

In Genesis 3:15, when God reprimands the serpent, the woman, and the man, there is the promise of a Savior, who will fight against the cursed serpent and be victorious. This Savior will come to be known as the Messiah. The Old Testament points to how he will save those separated from a Holy God by Adam and Eve’s original sin. This separation resulting from Adam and Eve’s sin remained in effect until Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind on the cross of Calvary. Hebrews 9:22 says, “Under the law, almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” 

Romans 6:23 tells us that “the wages of sin is death.” Because of this, the only thing that can cover our sins is the shedding of blood. In the Old Testament, the blood of goats, bulls, rams, and lambs was shed as a temporary covering for sin. In order to restore mankind’s relationship with God permanently, there had to be the sacrifice of a perfect human being. Jesus had to die so that we might live. He redeemed us with his blood.

There remains the responsibility of each of us, individually, to believe, accept, and confess Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Philippians 2:11 tells us, “Every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  This is the only way to obtain eternal life with our Messiah. Romans 10:9-10 says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and we can only go to the Father through Him. He redeemed us to save us. He redeemed us because He loves us. If you have been redeemed, pray for the Lord’s guidance in how He wants you to share Christ’s eternal redemption with others.