Open Heaven 27 December 2024: Redemption
MEMORISE: Ephesians 1:7
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
READ: 1 Peter 2:6-12 (KJV)
6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made* the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto* also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar* people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;
12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Read Yesterday’s Open Heaven Devotional Here
Every human being needs redemption. This is because the natural state of fallen man is that of bondage to sin. Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned and have come short of the glory of God. Thank God that the redemption we got through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ has freed us from the bondage of sin.
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
The forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7), release from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13), freedom from the bonds of sin (Titus 2:14); (1 Peter 1:14-18), righteousness (Romans 5:17), reconciliation with God (Colossians 1:18-20), adoption into God’s family (Galatians 4:5), the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and eternal life (John 3:16), are some of the advantages of redemption.
While many unbelievers see the Christian lifestyle as slavery because of its restrictions, the truth is that Christians are the ones who are free. A married woman has to submit to her husband, and that comes with restrictions, but if you ask her counterparts who are single, they will tell you that they prefer to be married. A jobless drunkard may laugh at someone who is rushing to work on a Monday morning and say that the fellow is not enjoying life. However, who is really suffering? The drunkard is the one under the bondage of alcohol. Unbelievers are locked in a prison, but they do not know it. Your prayer should be that the Almighty God should open their eyes as He opened yours and that they should come out of their prison and step into the freedom that Jesus has made available for them.
Beloved, do not ever be ashamed to talk about the restrictions that come with being redeemed. Yes, you are carrying the yoke of Christ, but His yoke is far lighter than that of the devil, and His burden is way easier (Matthew 11:28-30).
When a person becomes born again, the first thing he or she experiences is peace. A great burden is lifted off the fellow’s shoulders – a burden he or she did not realise was there before. If you have not yet given your life to Christ, you are in prison. Surrender your life to Jesus Christ today so that He can set you free.
KEY POINT:
Let the redeemed of the Lord proclaim their freedom with boldness and joy because they are free indeed.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Revelation 12-14
Open Heaven 27 December 2024
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