Beloved, we sinners owe a moral debt to a holy and just God because we disobey his commands daily. We cannot of ourselves ever pay this moral debt because it requires something we do not have to offer: a blameless life free of sin. Jesus, however, sinless and without blame, paid this moral debt on our behalf by offering his perfect life on the cross as a ransom for our souls. This glorious act of perfect sacrifice was the atonement, the making right of a great wrong, that is, the created sinning against the Creator. Christ’s death satisfied our moral debt to God forever and always and redeemed (freed) us from condemnation and eternal death. You are redeemed by the atoning work of Christ. Friend, praise God! You have been delivered from sin and unto an eternal heavenly life!
Christ died for all, and they who believe are saved. Christ, suffering until death on the cross, made the atonement for all mankind, effecting your redemption. But where the atonement was an event that took place “once for all,” redemption is constantly taking place within the hearts of all of God’s people, including you. Because you are forgiven and are under God’s grace, you are no longer a slave to sin. Yet, you remain imperfect; therefore, sin will continue to tempt you in all its power and effect. You must resist this temptation. Guard yourself against thinking and behaving as if you claim the benefits of atonement but do not see the need to honor it with a reformed life. If you truly believe your life is saved through Jesus Christ, then your life must leave your old ways and move in the direction of God’s will.
Friend, I beg you not to consider yourself beyond forgiveness. I once was of this mind, and I realize now it is a very arrogant thing to think. My sins are more powerful than the atoning power of Jesus’ sacrifice? Certainly not! Let us not think such foolish thoughts, for it is precisely what the evil one wants us to believe so that we might become doubters and unwittingly invite him to use us for his wicked ways. Not one of us, not even you or me, have sinned so much that we cannot be forgiven and saved. Your redemption is secure when you genuinely believe in the Lord and the efficacy of his blood, which was shed for thee.
By God’s generous grace, you have never been any more redeemed or free than you are today, and this truth shall remain the truth forever more. Amen.
