Redemption

Twenty years ago, when our children were testing the limits of their parents’ patience, Lois and I would relieve the tension with the line, “Well, when you put two sinners together you get sinnerlings.” We would smile and go on with the work of parenting having reminded ourselves that we, too, tested our parents.

Sometimes we forget that sin is part of our DNA and how desperate our sin is and how much we need a Redeemer! Paul makes it clear in Romans 5:12, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned –.” It’s not a pleasant thought is it? And it certainly doesn’t seem fair to blame the entire human race for the sin of Adam and Eve. We can claim there is no connection but in so doing we act just like them. We bear the burden of sinfulness both as individuals and as humans. No one had to teach us how to sin; it was part of our nature as much as the color of our eyes or the size of our feet.

This week we humbly observe the death of Jesus Christ. His death is for all but it is also very personal. Admit it: “I have sinned. I do sin. I will sin again.” The Prophet expresses it well: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, and each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6) Christ died for me. His death is payment for your sin and mine. We are all responsible for His death. Our sin – my sin – caused Jesus to have spikes driven through his hands and feet.

That is a sobering truth.

But on Easter morning we will join with millions of brothers and sisters in Christ to rejoice because “just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19) We have been liberated from the bondage of sin! We are bought with a terrible price. We have been redeemed!

Jesus, who died for our sin, is now alive. He is risen!

Rejoice!

2 thoughts on “Redemption”

  1. Jim, Just read your article. How great is our God. Hope you are well. We are doing fine here. Had severe storms go through last night but we only lost our electric for 7 hours (no damage).We have a whole house generator that keeps us going when the electric is off (nice). Our church received some minor damage to the roof & the electric is off but the roof is fixed already. Heath had some bad damage to several homes & trees uprooted but no one hurt or killed. Think of you often. Will close for now. May God continue to bless you & your work.
    Sherry

  2. Jim, God is amazing and a gracious God! I couldnt imagine living any other way than living for Him. Even though that we are all sinners and will always will be, we have a new heart and it was given to us from our father in heaven. Been studying in 1 & 2 Timothy lately and also the first part of Joshua. Its amazing how God used Paul, Timothy and other disciples and how he uses us to do His Will! Good article Jim!

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