Louise Gevers

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace ...” Ephesians 1:7

“For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 1:8-9

Over the past weekend our hearts have been filled with joy as we have celebrated the resurrection of the LORD Jesus Christ and the impact that this has had on our lives. We have worshipped the King who has risen victorious from the grave. He is alive! The tomb is empty. The angels have confirmed the news that Jesus has risen. He has conquered death and banished the fear of death forever for all believers. He has paid the price and lives forever. He is our Redeemer!

On Friday the world was dark because of the fierce battle that was raging in the heavenlies as Jesus, God’s only Son, went to die on the cross. His disciples and the women were grief-stricken, watching from a distance. There was darkness over the land for three full hours from midday till three o’clock while He breathed His last and committed His spirit into His Father’s hands. At that moment of death, “The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.” (Mark 15:38)

What did that mean for the world? The way to God was now open and Jesus “entered the Most Holy Place once for all” not “by means of the blood of goats and calves;” but “by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12) Jesus is our Redeemer. In the same way that a slave could be given back his freedom by someone paying the price for him to his owner, Jesus paid the price for our lives, with His own blood, by taking our sins upon Himself. He has bought us back from slavery to the devil and sin, and we are free! We are able to approach God through Him, confess our sins and receive forgiveness, peace and eternal life through His Name. Jesus’ sacrifice is totally acceptable to God.

“Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:27

God takes sin seriously. He would never have allowed His Son to suffer so cruelly had it not been necessary to redeem us. We must not fool ourselves that we lead good lives and can save ourselves. We try very hard, and sometimes feel we achieve a measure of success, but we know, deep down, that it will never be acceptable by God’s standards. Isaiah reminds us that “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6)  Solomon observed in Ecclesiastes 7:20 “Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins.” Paul concurs in Romans 3:10-11: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.” Some people stay away from churches to avoid hypocrites, but they fool themselves. They are no better than those they are judging “… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

God provides salvation, but Judgment Day will be dreadful for those who have not put their trust in God’s redeeming love, exemplified in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father, help me to see my need of redemption through Jesus. Amen.