THE COST OF REDEMPTION
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 27:27-54
Key Verse: “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” (1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV)
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 53:4-12; John 19:16-30; Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Hebrews 9:12-14; Ephesians 1:7
Description: Redemption was secured through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, revealing the immeasurable price God paid to save humanity from sin and eternal separation.
INTRODUCTION
The redemption of humanity is the greatest demonstration of God's love and grace. Matthew 27 records the suffering, crucifixion, and death of Jesus Christ, showing the tremendous price that was paid for mankind's salvation. Redemption was not obtained through silver, gold, human effort, or religious works. It required the precious blood of the spotless Lamb of God. Every wound Christ endured and every moment of suffering He experienced was part of the divine plan to purchase humanity's freedom from sin.
Before Christ came, humanity was trapped under the bondage of sin and unable to save itself. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament pointed toward a greater sacrifice that would one day provide complete atonement. Animal sacrifices could temporarily cover sin, but they could not permanently remove it. Jesus came as the perfect sacrifice whose death would accomplish eternal redemption for all who believe.
Understanding the cost of redemption should produce gratitude, worship, and wholehearted devotion in every believer. When we recognize what Christ endured to save us, we gain a deeper appreciation for God's love and a greater desire to live lives that honour Him. The cross reminds us that salvation is free to receive, but it was infinitely costly to provide.
1. REDEMPTION REQUIRED THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST
Humanity's salvation could only be secured through the death of Jesus.
a) Sin Demanded a Penalty (Romans 6:23)
The wages of sin is death, and justice required payment for humanity's rebellion.
b) Animal Sacrifices Were Insufficient (Hebrews 10:1-4)
The Old Testament sacrifices pointed to the need for a perfect sacrifice.
c) Jesus Became the Perfect Lamb (John 1:29)
Christ came to take away the sins of the world.
d) His Sacrifice Was Once and for All (Hebrews 10:10)
Jesus accomplished what no other sacrifice could achieve.
Biblical Example: The Passover lamb protected Israel from judgment and foreshadowed Christ, the true Lamb of God (Exodus 12:1-13).
2. THE COST OF REDEMPTION INCLUDED GREAT SUFFERING
Christ endured immense suffering to accomplish salvation.
a) He Was Mocked and Humiliated (Matthew 27:27-31)
Jesus willingly endured shame and ridicule for our sake.
b) He Was Physically Wounded (Isaiah 53:5)
His suffering brought healing and restoration to humanity.
c) He Carried the Weight of Sin (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Though sinless, Christ bore the sins of the world.
d) He Endured the Cross (Philippians 2:8)
Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient unto death.
Biblical Example: Isaac carrying the wood for his sacrifice foreshadowed Christ carrying the burden of redemption (Genesis 22:6).
3. REDEMPTION WAS MOTIVATED BY GOD'S LOVE
The cross reveals the depth of God's love for mankind.
a) God Loved Humanity Despite Sin (Romans 5:8)
Christ died for us while we were still sinners.
b) The Father Gave His Son Freely (John 3:16)
God's love moved Him to provide salvation.
c) Christ Loved Us Sacrificially (Galatians 2:20)
Jesus willingly gave Himself for our redemption.
d) Divine Love Pursues the Lost (Luke 19:10)
God's desire is to restore people to Himself.
Biblical Example: Hosea's redemption of Gomer illustrates God's faithful love toward undeserving people (Hosea 3:1-3).
4. REDEMPTION BROUGHT FREEDOM FROM SIN
Through Christ's sacrifice, believers are liberated from bondage.
a) Sin's Debt Was Cancelled (Colossians 2:14)
The record of our offences was nailed to the cross.
b) Believers Are No Longer Slaves to Sin (Romans 6:6-7)
Christ's death broke the power of sin.
c) Forgiveness Is Available to All (Ephesians 1:7)
Redemption provides complete forgiveness through His blood.
d) New Life Is Possible Through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Those who trust in Christ become new creations.
Biblical Example: Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage symbolizes the believer's freedom through redemption (Exodus 14:13-31).
5. REDEMPTION RESTORED OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
The cross removed the barrier that separated humanity from God.
a) Reconciliation Was Accomplished (Colossians 1:20)
Peace with God became possible through Christ's blood.
b) Access to God's Presence Was Opened (Matthew 27:51)
The torn veil symbolized restored fellowship with God.
c) Believers Become Children of God (John 1:12)
Redemption brings us into God's family.
d) Eternal Life Is Granted (John 17:3)
Those redeemed by Christ receive everlasting life.
Biblical Example: The prodigal son's restoration to his father illustrates the reconciliation made possible through God's grace (Luke 15:20-24).
6. REDEEMED PEOPLE MUST LIVE FOR GOD'S GLORY
The price paid for redemption calls for a life of devotion and obedience.
a) We Belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20)
Christ purchased us through His sacrifice.
b) Gratitude Should Produce Worship (Psalm 103:1-5)
Believers should continually thank God for His salvation.
c) Holiness Reflects Redemption (1 Peter 1:15-16)
Those redeemed by Christ should pursue godly living.
d) The Gospel Must Be Shared (Matthew 28:19-20)
Redeemed people are called to proclaim the message of salvation.
Biblical Example: Zacchaeus demonstrated genuine transformation after encountering Christ, showing the fruit of redemption (Luke 19:1-10).
CONCLUSION
The cost of redemption was immeasurable. Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, endured suffering, rejection, shame, and death to secure humanity's salvation. The cross reveals both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of God's love. Redemption was not purchased with earthly wealth but with the precious blood of Christ, making it the most valuable gift ever given.
Every believer should live in the light of this great truth. Since Christ paid such a high price for our salvation, we should respond with gratitude, obedience, worship, and faithful service. Let us never take redemption for granted but continually honour the One who gave His life so that we might live eternally with God.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for the great price Jesus paid for my redemption in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me to appreciate the sacrifice of Christ daily in Jesus name.
3. Father, let the power of redemption transform every area of my life in Jesus name.
4. Lord, deliver me completely from the bondage of sin in Jesus name.
5. Father, help me to walk in holiness and obedience in Jesus name.
6. Lord, fill my heart with gratitude for Your saving grace in Jesus name.
7. Father, strengthen my relationship with You through Christ in Jesus name.
8. Lord, help me to live a life worthy of the redemption I have received in Jesus name.
9. Father, make me a faithful witness of the gospel in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let the benefits of Christ's redemption be fully manifested in my life in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall continually experience the power of Christ's redemption.
2. Every chain of sin and bondage shall be broken over your life.
3. The blood of Jesus shall speak mercy and victory on your behalf.
4. You shall walk in freedom, righteousness, and divine favour.
5. The Lord shall strengthen your faith and deepen your devotion.
6. You shall enjoy unhindered fellowship with God.
7. Every consequence of past failures shall be swallowed up by God's grace.
8. You shall reflect the character and glory of Christ.
9. Your life shall become a testimony of God's redeeming power.
10. You shall walk in the fullness of salvation, victory, and eternal hope purchased by Jesus Christ, in Jesus' name. Amen.
