Redemption is the heart of the Gospel

Redemption is the fundamental message of Gospel good news. Such words as deliverance, salvation, emancipation and recovery are words with similar meaning. To understand why redemption is the heart of the Gospel, we need to know the history of man as described in the first three chapters of Genesis. There we learn that God created man as his own image for the purpose of having companionship and fellowship with Him.

God also wanted a people to express His infinite goodness, love and kindness. In creating man similar to Himself, God created him with a good amount of freedom of choice. You probably know the story of the first man's rebellion and the choice he made to be independent of God.

So here we are living in a fearful and chaotic world in which multitudes of people haven't a clue that life has meaning and purpose. We have forgotten our maker and the purpose for which we were created.

We are like merchandise in a pawn shop separated from the original owner and sitting on a shelf gathering dust, unused and unfulfilled except for a few frivolous human activities, to pass the time and help us forget our miseries. We are hoping someone will value us enough to purchase us and take us home. Redemption is God's plan to restore us to fellowship and friendship with Himself as well as to restore us to our intended purpose. The incredible benefit and blessings of redemption is a topic for another time. For now, consider how God's plan of redemption works.

Redemption implies the payment of ransom to purchase back what has been forfeited, lost or stolen. Notice a verse in 1 Peter 1:18-19, "Know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct but with the precious blood of Christ."

At best, human thought can only grasp the tip of the iceberg into the mystery of Christ's shed blood. We know that Jesus was the beloved Son of God and His shed blood was the sufficient price for human redemption because God has said so " not because we understand it. Human senses cannot feel, appreciate or value the blood of Christ apart from God's estimation. The Passover lamb of Egypt is a great example. The blood of the lamb was placed outside the house on the door posts. It was for God's eyes only. Exodus 12, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you."

In Romans 3:25, we are clearly told the plan of redemption and how we quality for it: "For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood."

n Pastor Gene Holman of

Living Word Fellowship is a member of the Carson Valley Ministers' Association.