Do you use coupons? In today’s world, they may be printable or digital, contain codes or cashback offers, or result from loyalty discounts. Whenever one of these transactions occurs, there has been an exchange for something of value; redemption has occurred!

God’s Redemptive Act

The most amazing act of redemption in human history occurred over two thousand years ago in Israel. God wanted to repurchase (i.e., buy back) the people He had lovingly created to have intimate fellowship with Him but who had fallen under bondage to sin and death through their rebellion (Romans 3:23).  Matthew 20:28 records that Jesus “the Son of Man [came] to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.” With His own life and death on the cross, He purchased spiritual freedom for all who would receive it. The ransom price was high: Jesus’ death and blood sacrificed on our behalf as a divine act of God’s mercy and grace (Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12; I Timothy 2:6). Jesus rescued us from eternal separation because of His great love for us. We then can be reclaimed as His own beloved children and adopted into His heavenly family (Galatians 4:5). 

Results of Being Redeemed

Accepting this divine “coupon” of redemption results in epic rewards for us. First, we are reconciled and restored to our former status of a right relationship with our loving heavenly Father God. We are freed from guilt and justified, made right and acceptable (Romans 3:24). We have forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:17) and the promise of eternal life (Revelation 5:9-10). Unlike worldly coupons, there is no expiration date! The Holy Spirit lives within us (I Corinthians 6:19-20) and we can have peace with God (Colossians 1:18-20). Having Jesus as our Redeemer means we are forever safe from the distress of captivity and debt of sin.

Our Response to God’s Act of Redemption

The initial response to realizing the need for forgiveness of our sin and the generous offer of Jesus to take upon Himself the debt we owe is repentance. The Greek word for this is metanoia, meaning a change in heart, mind, and behavior. Joel 2:12 quotes God as saying, “Return to Me with all your heart.” Acknowledging our need for a Savior and turning to Christ for that restoration is the foundation of the redemptive process. As we turn away from sin and turn toward God, we realize that these are responses to what He has already done for us. A natural result of reflection on the impact in our lives of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection will result in a change in purpose. We will be continually drawing closer to God and inspired to live each day depending on Him as our Guide. Our experience of God’s redemption is both a one-time transaction (at the time a person embraces Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord) as well as an ongoing reality in our daily life that changes how we live. Titus 2:14 explains that Jesus “gave Himself to redeem us…[so that we would be] people…zealous for good deeds.”

Isaiah 44:21-24 describes what our response to God’s redemptive act will look like.

First, we “remember” who God is, that He has made us, is faithful never to forget us, and has cleared away our sins “like a heavy mist”. Next, He calls us to “return” to Him; this may occur multiple times as we choose to leave sin behind in order to live obediently and gratefully. Finally, we rejoice in God (along with all of creation). Worship occurs naturally as we realize anew the riches of the mercy and goodness of our Lord (Psalm 107:2), and we radiate with joy.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for reaching out to me in gracious love when Jesus paid the price for my redemption. Forgive me for taking for granted the great price You paid. Remind me to return to You and live as Your redeemed child. Help me to respond to this amazing gift every day with rejoicing and a closer walk with You. Amen.

Scripture references are in New American Standard Version.