SUBJ:
Redemption and forgiveness as the possession of believers in Christ.
AIM: That we
should not hesitate to take ownership of that which is given us in
Christ both in profession and life.
INTR: While we are often said to
possess things, including spiritual gifts, abilities and awareness; we
also possess redemption and all that accrues to it according to this
text. 1. From time to time we should reflect on this passage and the
transitions from thought to thought as we contemplate the fullness of
salvation in Christ. 2. We note for this message the transition from
accepted in the beloved to redemption as the condition of acceptance.
3. But, consider the right of redemption as it is illustrated in the
near-kinsman in Ruth 6:6ff and note the parallels.
THESIS: By virtue of redemption, we
possess standing with God. By virtue of forgiveness we have peace with
God.
I. We have (possess) redemption 1. We must have been
redeemed (ransomed) from something 1) From sin, its bondage (Romans
6) and its guilt. 2) From Satan and his power: Hebrews 2:14-15 14
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also
himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might
destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And
deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject
to bondage. 3) From the Law and its condemnation (Romans 8:1ff) 4)
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this
present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
(Galatians 1:4) 5) From the curse and we are reminded of Him who was
made a curse for us. 2. Consider for a moment the dominion of sin and
the encouragement of Paul in saying "sin shall not have dominion over
you." 3. The claim of the world ("if ye were of the world...") 4. We
have! Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and
believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come
into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24) 5.
Consider redemption as an action wherein we are brought into a right
standing with God - justified and a state in being now free to serve
Him. 6. Consider Paul asserting his rights as a Roman citizen. 7.
We possess heavenly citizenship with all the rights to all that Christ
has inherited and even access to the very throne of God - These rights
are given that they may be exercises and God is honored in the process.
How shall we not endeavor to display that which is given us at so great
a price?
II. The forgiveness of sins 1. Must be seen as the
result of redemption but not the same thing. 2. Forgiveness is
apprehended by God-given faith 1) It is the application of the
knowledge that redemption has taken place 2) It communicates to us
"peace with God." 3. Consider then: 1) Psalms 103:12 As far as the
east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from
us. - sent away an infinite distance as in East from West 2) Micah
7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue
our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the
sea. 3) Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy
transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. AND
Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions,
and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.
(not in order to be redeemed) 4) Consider also: John 20:23 Whose
soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins
ye retain, they are retained. 5) But especially: Acts 13:38-39 Be it
known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is
preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39 And by him all that
believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be
justified by the law of Moses.
III. According to the Riches of
His grace 1. Riches tend to be thought of as the multitude of
blessings, but it is especially that He had the price of redemption.
2. Consider that God paid the ransom to Himself. 1) His Son in His
exquisite person 2) The life of His Son as perfect in every way (not
merely showing that it could be done. It had to be paid out.) 3) The
very soul of His Son was made an offering for sin. 3. There is no
money or price that we can pay.
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