He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for Himself a people for His own possession, eager to do good works. Titus 2:14 HCSB
Some organizations have used a fun game as a fund raiser. They “capture” someone and put them in jail or a holding cell. The captured person must then call some friends to encourage them to give money to the organization. When a certain amount of money has been raised, the person is released. In essence, the friends of the captured person have paid the price to get him out of jail.
Paul reminds us that Jesus has paid the price or redeemed us from our sinful life. Redeemed means to buy something or someone back. This was a term that was commonly used when a person was purchased out of slavery. We are all slaves to our sinful nature, but Jesus Christ has redeemed us by paying the penalty for our sins. It is through Christ’s death on the cross that all who believe in Him can have forgiveness of their sins and gain eternal life.
Challenge: Praise God that He provided a way for your sins to be forgiven. Thank Him for giving His Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place. Give thanks that you have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Listen to the old hymn by Fanny Crosby, “Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It” on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm7sy-hmYnw.