Redeemed Life
I have a question for you. What does it mean to you to be a Christian? Is your life somehow different? I hope so. Why would you otherwise claim to be a Christian if not for a redeemed life, right?
William Wilberforce has said “It makes no sense to take the name of Christian and not cling to Christ. Jesus is not some magic charm to wear like a piece of jewelry we think will give us good luck. He is the Lord. His name is to be written on our hearts in such a powerful way that it creates within us a profound experience of His peace and a heart that is filled with His praise.”
Jesus is not a good luck charm, he is our risen Lord. If all you get from Christianity is a cultural heritage, you’re missing out. You see, the best part of Christianity is to be united with Jesus. And that results in peace beyond understanding. Something the world can’t give. And it’s not for sale either.
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:18-19, NIV)
Redeemed Life…
God is able to redeem our lives no matter how big of a mess we’ve created. Because of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, our lives can be redeemed. We just need to say ‘yes’ to God. That yes is the beginning of redeemed life.
In Him we have redemption [that is, our deliverance and salvation] through His blood, [which paid the penalty for our sin and resulted in] the forgiveness and complete pardon of our sin, in accordance with the riches of His grace. (Eph. 1:7, AMP)
Redeemed life, what is it then? you ask. Okay, let’s see. It means you’re forgiven of your sins and failures. You’re totally free. Just imagine of all your loans been paid for you, suddenly you don’t owe anything to anyone. Pretty awesome, don’t you think? But being redeemed is even better than that. Grace compensates all your short-comings and trespasses. Unbelievable yet true nonetheless.
…lived out every day
Redeemed life is meant to be celebrated and lived out every day of your life. If you’re not living it, you’re missing out. Because when we live out our everyday lives with Jesus, we get to know him. And knowing Jesus makes all the difference in the world.
Our lives might look like nothing has changed. We still read the same newspapers as everybody else and we still need to do grocery shopping and go to work. But we are not lost or without purpose. We know we are God’s adopted children and we belong to him. So we know that we are loved and cared for. And nothing will ever change that.
Gracious God,
Thank you for doing everything
so you can redeem every person who turns to you.
We say yes to you and your amazing grace.
Change us inside out, Lord.
Show us how to truly live redeemed life.
In Jesus’ precious name,
Amen
Q4U: Are you a Christian by name only or has Jesus permeated every inch of your heart?
Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you celebrate and live out your faith!
