What is Redemption Definition of redeem verb 1

What is Redemption? • Definition of redeem: • verb • 1. compensate for the faults or bad aspects of. • 2. gain or regain possession of (something) in exchange for payment. • I. e. reunification, reconciliation or being brought back. • To be ‘brought back’ implies that we first need to be ‘away’.

Sin vs Human Ethics and Morals • Humans are aware of differences between right and wrong in terms of morals and ethics which come through understanding our natural environment. • Human ethics, morals and laws are not consistent with the biblical consideration of sin. • E. g. Same sex marriage, euthanasia, abortions, adultery etc.

Human Responses to Sin • Today’s society reinforces the notion that sin is old fashioned, superstitious or a figment of the imagination. • People are quick to dismiss sin as it calls one’s behaviour, thoughts and motivations into question. • Others dismiss the severity of sin by labelling it as a disease, addiction or accident beyond their control. The blame is shifted and accountability to sin is mitigated as they see themselves as victims.

Consequences of sin • Sin cannot be ignored, mitigated or justified. It carries the most severe consequence if left unidentified and not remedied. • Sin has been compared to cancer in terms of its nature and what happens if we choose to ignore it, justify it or try to identify and eradicate it. • Romans 6: 23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. ”

A Helpless Cause? • We can acknowledge the role of sin in our lives but nothing we can do ourselves to remove the blemishes of our sins. Thus we feel helpless. • We either need to be perfect before God, or we are in need of God’s grace. • Hopelessness need not lead to despair because we first need to be lost and alienated before we can be found and reconciled to God. • The role sin plays is in that it makes us aware of our separation from God.

The Realisation • Sin and its undesirable consequences provide the darkness in our lives through which we come to see the light. • The trappings of sin make us become conceited in thinking we can live beyond God’s reach. We can acquire all the world has to offer and still feel emptiness in our heart. An emptiness that can only be filled by confronting our sin and being redeemed to God. • Mark 8: 36 and Matthew 16: 26 – “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world , yet forfeit their soul? ”