IT IS BECAUSE OF HIM - PART 7

MONDAY 25 MARCH 2024

As this topic comes to an end with this article, I believe so much that we have fully grasped the benefits of being in Christ and the dimensions of His wisdom in relation to being our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. More below!

Reference: 1st Corinthians 1:30 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)

"It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption."

The next and last segment of the above versified reference to be expounded by my humble self is:

redemption.

Ephesians 1:7 (NIV): "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."

Did you notice the rendering: In Christ we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins? In other words, redemption is our possession or birthright in Christ. The forgiveness of sin has taken place and so we have a redemptive vindication and absolution. How did it happen? Jesus Christ provided our ransom from the penalty for sin, thereby clearing us from its guilt and punishment, and now we walk free in Christ as though we never sinned. Got it?

To that effect, Pauline epistolary expression reads, "So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death" (Romans 8:1-2 NLT). I want us to take note of these two terms in this epistolary dictates:

1. No condemnation

2. Freedom from power of sin

That's the true state of the redemption we have in Christ. Having been released as a result of the ransom provided by Christ's sacrifice of atonement, we have zero business with condemnation. So this redemption is a permanent assurance of deliverance from sin because the blood of Jesus has been shed and put into effect to eradicate the sinful nature, an effect which cannot be reversed.

To that effect, apostle Paul said, "For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin" (Romans 6:6 NIV). Now we have experienced God's grace through the blood of Jesus which purchased our freedom from the debt of sin previously ascribed to us.

As a result of the release effected by Christ's payment of ransom, freedom from power of sin has positioned us to walk in the light by living the life of the Spirit in its fullness. To expound this further, the redemption we have obtained in Christ can be likened to a certificate that approves our permanent rescue from enslavement of sin, procured by the payment of our ransom by Christ's blood, which guarantees our new status in Christ.

Now let's assume that someone or the devil accuses you of any sin, you have the right to make evident or bring out your certificate of redemption and stand your ground in Christ to shun the devil and his angels or cohorts, as well as exercise Christ's triumph over sin, condemnation and all the powers of darkness in this world, because you are no longer under the state of subjection to the power of sin and death.

Jesus gave His life as a ransom for all and sundry (1 Timothy 2:6 NLT). His resurrection made our redemption fully established. God's grace and our faith in Christ Jesus made redemption real in our lives. The same resurrection of Jesus made possible the launching of God's new creation in heaven and on earth. So redemption is the voice of Christ's victory over sin and death. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 111:9; Isaiah 44:22; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:12; 1 Peter 1:18-19.

Exuberant Declaration:

Christ Jesus is my absolute conqueror who stripped the principalities and powers, disgraced them openly and triumphed over them in His essential self. Now and always, I'm led in Christ's triumphal procession, where I publicly show that I have vanquished Satan, sin and all the powers of darkness, because in Him I have redemption through His blood. Hallelujah!