Redemption leads one to salvation

I have been pondering the concept of redemption. Certainly we are all sinners. If not for the salvation that God offers us through Christ's sacrifice on the cross, none of us would experience salvation. How can we begin to understand God's design for the redemption that man is so desperately in need of?

For us to be redeemed means that we are released from our sin. But for this to take place, there must be a payoff. Redemption is God's way of reuniting sinful man to Himself. It is the means by which we are forgiven and able to fellowship with God and receive salvation.

One question that periodically permeates my thoughts is, "Why does God even allow us to have the free choice to sin?" God has infinite wisdom. He allowed it for a motivation we may never comprehend, but it is important to remember: God was not taken by surprise when sin entered the world, nor when we sin today. He has reasons within His holy purposes, even if they are only known to Him. In spite of the suffering sin would cause, God allowed it to come into heaven and then into earth. It demonstrates our free choice and the value we have as redeemed individuals.

It is by means of the act of redemption that man is able to access salvation. We require a redeemer. It was not only vital that Jesus became the sacrifice for our sins, but that it happen in a certain way.

Hebrews 9:14 & 15 tell us, "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance ? now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from sins committed under the first covenant" (Holy Bible, New International Version).

So why "sin"? Only God really knows. But we were given free choice.

Humans cannot make a choice between right and wrong unless evil exists. So we have indeed been given this free choice and we are undeniably in need of a Savior ? for without Him and our acceptance of the salvation He offers, we cannot be redeemed.

This truth is vital to discuss with our family, especially instilling God's truth into our children's lives. Sometimes we go about the rituals of our faith without really communicating the meaning behind it.

Our children need to understand a relationship with God as personal, their very own. This is done through understanding and knowledge; age appropriately, of course.

The excitement lies in this one simple fact: If we have accepted Jesus into our heart, we are indeed redeemed. And our Redeemer lives.