As Jesus tried to prepare His followers for His crucifixion, He proclaimed, ” Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Within 24 hours, they faced the chaos of the trial and the cross. He died and then on day 3 arose from the grave; providing their redemption from sin. Despite that, they faced a constant barrage of anger, hate and disdain in this world; as they proclaimed the gospel of Christ! So, what kind of peace; did Christ promise us? Certainly, as He said, this was not the peace of this world; but, rather a much greater peace: a peace with God our Creator. As God’s redeemed we have peace with God; a peace so much greater, and so undeserved given by Grace alone.
The true definition of redeemed is twofold according to the dictionaries. One refers to the compensation or atonement for faults, failures, bad habits, and atrocities. The second refers to the purchase of a possession previously lost. In the case of our redemption, both stand true. Before accepting Christ, we are lost. Our position with God is one of enmity, despair; as our hearts filled with sin cannot stand before a perfectly righteous God. Yet, in Christ, our position transforms into that of the redeemed. Often, in the old testament; God redeemed His people from the penalties of their sin. Their sin and rebellion lead to their captivity by barbarians; yet, when they cried out to God, He redeemed them. God’s Grace and love redeemed His people back into favor with Him.
FINDING PEACE AS GOD’S REDEEMED
My life reflected moments of great emotional turmoil; until, I truly discovered the truth of being redeemed. How deeply, I have cried in desperation whenever I knew I failed God. Knowing I accepted Christ as my Savior, I remained entrapped by believing I still had to work to be deserving of that Grace. Yet, the truth remains, the meaning of Grace proclaims the unmerited favor of God upon someone like me. The harder I strive toward earning God’s favor, the more certain has been my failure. Yet, when I learned the truth concerning my redemption; my life also transformed. Instead of striving with my own powers; I found that God’s power within me as I abide in Christ overcomes the power of sin in my life. Not that I have arrived; but, instead God sustains me and lifts me up as His redeemed.
Peace with God fills and overflows my heart, because Christ purchased my righteousness on the Cross. God the Father looks upon the perfect infinite righteousness of the son; as the son gazes upon the perfect infinite righteousness of the Father; enwrapped by perfect love greater than anything we could imagine. That overflowing love reaches out to each one of us who have accepted this wondrous gift of redemption. Encircled by that love, clothed in His righteousness; our hearts find their peace with God, in Christ Jesus. Once I knew this truth, peace filled my heart and soul. No longer does despair enter my heart. Yes, I grieve whenever I sin; yet, that grief leads me to the foot of the cross where I know I am forgiven. No longer can that grief lead me to despair and further failure.
SCRIPTURE CONFIRMING REDEMPTION IN CHRIST JESUS
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 hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13-14
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father Galatians 4:4-6
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:11-14
THE GLORY OF GOD-THE COST TO REDEEM YOU AND ME
For as much as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 1 Peter 1:18-21
(They) ‘fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.’ Revelations 5:8-10
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
The redeemed of the Lord shout amen; because, by grace we know peace with God. The enmity between God and the self-exalting heart of humanity falls, the spirit of God redeems us and brings peace with our spirit. Clothed in the perfect righteousness of Christ, I can boldly go before the throne of God.
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[tweetthis]Oh, for the grace that set me free, redeemed by the blood of the lamb[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Only cloaked in the righteousness of Christ, can my spirit have peace with God.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]Oh, for sweetness of His Grace; that loved me so & covered my filthy rags[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Not by the works of my guilty hands but by the Blood of Christ I am redeemed” username=”effiedarlene”]
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
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