THE GLORY OF REDEMPTION

THE GLORY OF REDEMPTION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 1:30-31

Key Verse: "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." — 1 Corinthians 1:30 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:13-14; Galatians 3:13; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Romans 3:23-24; Titus 2:11-14

Description: Redemption in Christ is God's glorious work of rescuing sinners from the power of sin and bringing them into the freedom, righteousness, and purpose of God.

INTRODUCTION

Redemption is one of the most glorious realities of the Christian faith. Humanity was separated from God because of sin and unable to rescue itself through human effort. Yet God, in His mercy and love, provided redemption through Jesus Christ. Paul declares that Christ has become our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

The word redemption carries the idea of being bought back or released through a price. Jesus paid the ultimate price through His sacrificial death on the cross. His precious blood accomplished what silver, gold, human goodness, religious activity, or personal achievement could never accomplish. Through Christ, those who believe are brought out of condemnation and into a restored relationship with God.

Redemption is not merely about escaping the past; it is about entering a new identity and purpose in Christ. The redeemed person belongs to God, is called to live righteously, and becomes a testimony of God's grace. Therefore, every believer should understand the glory of redemption and live in the freedom Christ has purchased.

1. REDEMPTION REVEALS GOD'S GREAT LOVE

The foundation of redemption is God's love. He did not redeem humanity because we deserved it, but because of His mercy and grace.

a) God Loved Us First (1 John 4:19)
Our redemption began with God's initiative. He loved us before we could respond to Him.

b) Christ Died For Sinners (Romans 5:8)
Jesus demonstrated God's love by giving His life for people who were still separated from God through sin.

c) Grace Provides Redemption (Ephesians 1:7)
Redemption comes through God's grace and the forgiveness made possible by Christ's blood.

d) God's Mercy Is Abundant (Titus 3:5)
Our salvation is not the result of our own righteousness but of God's mercy and renewing work.

Biblical Example: The father welcomed the prodigal son home with compassion and restored him to the family, illustrating the Father's heart towards those who return to Him (Luke 15:20-24).

2. REDEMPTION BREAKS THE POWER OF SIN

Christ's redemptive work delivers believers from the dominion and condemnation of sin. The redeemed person is no longer required to remain under sin's control.

a) We Are Delivered From Darkness (Colossians 1:13)
God rescues believers from the dominion of darkness and brings them into the Kingdom of His Son.

b) We Receive Forgiveness (Colossians 1:14)
Through Christ, believers receive forgiveness and freedom from the guilt of sin.

c) The Curse Is Broken (Galatians 3:13)
Christ became a curse for us, providing freedom from the curse associated with sin.

d) We Become New Creations (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Redemption produces transformation, giving believers a new identity and a new direction in Christ.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus encountered Jesus and demonstrated genuine transformation by turning away from his former ways and making restitution (Luke 19:1-10).

3. REDEMPTION GIVES US A NEW IDENTITY

Redemption changes how believers see themselves. We are no longer defined by our past but by what Christ has accomplished in us.

a) We Are In Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Our new identity is rooted in our relationship with Jesus, not in our former failures or achievements.

b) We Are Made Righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21)
Through Christ, believers receive a righteousness that comes from God rather than from human performance.

c) We Are Sanctified (1 Corinthians 6:11)
Redemption includes a call to holiness and a life increasingly separated unto God's purposes.

d) We Are God's Possession (1 Peter 2:9)
The redeemed belong to God and are called to declare His praises through their lives.

Biblical Example: Paul was once a persecutor of the Church, but after encountering Christ, he became a devoted apostle and powerful messenger of the Gospel (Acts 9:1-22).

4. LIVE FOR THE GLORY OF THE REDEEMER

Redemption should produce a life that honours the One who paid the price. Those who have been redeemed should live as devoted servants of Christ.

a) Glorify God In Your Life (1 Corinthians 6:20)
Because Christ purchased us at a price, our lives should be dedicated to bringing Him glory.

b) Walk In Holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)
The redeemed are called to reflect God's holiness in their conduct.

c) Serve God's Purpose (Ephesians 2:10)
God has redeemed us for good works that He prepared for us to accomplish.

d) Proclaim His Goodness (1 Peter 2:9)
Those who have experienced redemption should testify about God's saving grace.

Biblical Example: The Samaritan woman encountered Jesus and immediately began telling others about Him, bringing many people from her city to meet Christ (John 4:28-30, 39-42).

CONCLUSION

The glory of redemption is found in what God has accomplished through Jesus Christ. We were unable to save ourselves, but Christ paid the price, forgave our sins, delivered us from darkness, and gave us a new identity. In Him, we receive wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.

Therefore, never take your redemption for granted. Live as one who has been bought with a price, walk in holiness, serve God's purpose, and proclaim His goodness. Your past no longer has the final word; Christ has redeemed you and called you to live for His glory.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for the glorious redemption You have provided through Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, help me to appreciate continually the price Christ paid for my redemption, in Jesus name.

3. Father, let the power of redemption break every influence of sin over my life, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me to walk confidently in the new identity I have received through Christ, in Jesus name.

5. Father, let every chain connected to my former life be completely broken, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, give me grace to live a sanctified and holy life that brings honour to Your name, in Jesus name.

7. Father, help me to fulfil every good work You have prepared for me, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, make my life a powerful testimony of Your redeeming grace, in Jesus name.

9. Father, use me to proclaim Your goodness and lead others towards the saving knowledge of Christ, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, preserve me in Your grace and help me remain faithful to the One who redeemed me until the end, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall continually experience the transforming power and freedom that Christ purchased through your redemption.

2. Every influence of your former life that is contrary to God's purpose shall lose its hold over you.

3. You shall walk confidently in your new identity as one who belongs to Jesus Christ.

4. The grace of God shall empower you to live a sanctified, righteous, and fruitful life.

5. Every chain of spiritual bondage standing against your progress shall be broken through the redemptive work of Christ.

6. You shall experience God's wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption in every dimension of your Christian journey.

7. The Lord shall use your life as a living testimony of His mercy, grace, and transforming power.

8. You shall fulfil the good works that God has prepared for you and bring glory to His name through your service.

9. Your testimony shall become an instrument through which many people are drawn towards the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

10. You shall remain established in Christ, faithfully living as one who has been redeemed until the day you receive your eternal inheritance.