The wages of sin is death (Romans
6:23); however, Jesus released us from
these consequences and gave His life in exchange for our spiritual death (Romans 6:23; Matthew 20:28; 1 Timothy 2:6). Human redemption is only available through the blood
of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:14; Revelation 5:9). Salvation is not possible through any other name (Acts
4:12). When Jesus died on Calvary’s
cross He purchased the remainder of our debt, which we owed for our life of
sin. He procured our freedom for eternity (Galatians 3:13, 4:5). Now, we are no longer slaves in bondage to sin; but
slaves to holiness (Romans 6:6,14).
Our death sentence condemned
us to eternal separation from God (Romans 3:23). Jesus redeemed us from this everlasting guilt and
justified us by His grace (Romans 3:24; Psalm 111:9). We not only have forgiveness for our sins now, but
we also have the righteousness of Christ imputed into our account, which covers
any future sin as well (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:17). This fact does not give us the license to sin (Romans
6:1). It does, however, set us free to
live in righteousness and holiness all the days of our life (Romans
3:24; Galatians 5:1).
We no longer suffer under
the bondage of sin (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:14-18). We have been granted the freedom to live in peace
with God (Colossians 1:18-20).
Jesus freed us from the curse of the law and made it possible for God to adopt
us into His family (Galatians 3:13, 4:5). We are redeemed, forgiven, holy, justified, liberated, adopted and
reconciled to God for eternity (Psalm 130:7-8; Luke 2:38; Acts 20:28). In addition to all of this, the Holy Spirit dwells
within us, leading us moment by moment throughout the day, guiding us,
comforting us and giving us the wisdom we need to live successfully in this
world (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
As we walk in the Spirit, we
no longer fulfill the lusts of our carnal flesh (Romans 13:14; Galatians
5:16-17). The Holy Spirit leads us to
the right place at the right time to function in God’s will, to pray for people
as needed, to proclaim His goodness, to read what He directs us to see and to
do all that He leads us to do (Galatians 5:25). As the redeemed of the Lord, we are not hesitant to say so (Psalm
107:2). We want to share this truth with
anyone who will listen, because He redeems us from all of our troubles (Galatians 3:14; 1 Peter
1:18).
We live to give God glory
for His steadfast love and wondrous works (Psalm 107:8). He satisfies the longing in our soul, filling our
hungry soul with good things (Psalm 107:9).
He delivers us from all distress and brings us out of darkness and the shadow
of death (Psalm 107:13). He
demolishes our bondage to the world and our self-destructive behaviors (Psalm
107:14). He gives us His Word and heals
us, delivering us from the devastation caused by our past sins (Psalm
107:20).
God set a longing in our
heart for Heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
It is not vain or delusional for us to long for this better place. God created
us to dwell with Him for eternity. Therefore, we can never be fully satisfied
until we get to heaven and dwell in His presence. Those who are wise pay
attention to these truths and trust God with their lives. They consider His
steadfast love and realize they cannot live without it (Psalm
107:43).
Prayer:
Father God, You continually
allow mankind to sink into the depths of despair as the result of trying to
live life in our own efforts; but You are always there to rescue us and to bless
us with redemption and a new life, if we call out to You to save us. You raise
up the needy who trust in You by delivering us out of our affliction and You
even make our families flourish (Psalm 107:41). The entire world sees Your goodness. The sinner is
surprised, but Your righteous rejoice (Psalm 107:42).
Thought for the Day:
Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell
others He redeemed you from your troubles, and He wants to deliver them as
well. - Psalm 107:2
