Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Why do movies that tell stories about redemption do so well at the box office? The reasons are many, but the underlying fact is that everyone is looking for redemption and it has already been given to us.
Why do we not accept the redemption that God offers through Christ His Son? It might be the deep-seeded feelings of guilt and the unreasonable belief that we have to pay for the wrong or sin that put us in the place of needing redemption in the first place.
What a vicious circle. We want and need redemption, but we want to redeem ourselves our own way. Prov. 14:12 There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Why do we not accept the redemption that God offers through Christ His Son? It might be the deep-seeded feelings of guilt and the unreasonable belief that we have to pay for the wrong or sin that put us in the place of needing redemption in the first place.
What a vicious circle. We want and need redemption, but we want to redeem ourselves our own way. Prov. 14:12 There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
The word of the Lord is clear that God’s way is the only way. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me. Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Even though we know these verses to be true in our heart of hearts, we still try to cover up and redeem ourselves from all the messes we end up in. After a long attempt at failing in our own way of redemption, we finally call on God to deliver us. Lam. 3:58 O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life. The process is long and arduous, but we do it anyway.
Even though we know these verses to be true in our heart of hearts, we still try to cover up and redeem ourselves from all the messes we end up in. After a long attempt at failing in our own way of redemption, we finally call on God to deliver us. Lam. 3:58 O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life. The process is long and arduous, but we do it anyway.
The beauty about the finished redemptive work of Christ is that everything has already been done that will ever have to be done. Gal. 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree. There is no more need for fig-leaf religion; Christ has redeemed us. This is past tense and it is done.
What do we do when we find ourselves starting to act out our redemption our own way after we have sinned?
First, realise that the sin just committed has been paid for in full and, by faith, repent then and there. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Second, if there is still a temptation to think that there has to be some kind of self-flagellation then go, call, or text a brother or sister and pray together. James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Third, change the way we talk about ourselves and say what the word says about our redemption. Psalm 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.
Fourth, express gratefulness, because where there is no gratitude for what Jesus has done for us there will be no victory in anything we do. Thankfulness is the key to enjoying the redemptive work of our Lord and saviour. Gratefulness will help us be redeemed and stop us from trying to redeem ourselves. 1 Thes. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
I, who have been redeemed by the finished work of Christ’s gift of salvation, am grateful and I give thanks for all of you who love the Lord. Blessings.
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