Redeemed

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7 

Do you ever consider what it would be like to be held against your will? I have considered what it would be like to be kidnapped and held for ransom by some captors. There is a term called Stockholm Syndrome which was coined when an escaped convict entered a bank and took captives in that city. Throughout the ordeal the hostages began to form a relationship with their captor and began to fear the police more than the man who was holding them. Eventually, tear gas deployed into the vault, and the captors and captives emerged. In a strange display they embraced, kissed, and shook hands. It was very strange but that is how the sinner lives on a daily basis.

We find ourselves held captive. Certainly not against our will, but we choose to sin and become comfortable. Proverbs 5:22 reads, His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. Yet, God, in His abundant grace, sought our deliverance. The word apolytrosin is the word we find in the original Greek language. It is a compound word meaning to be released by the paying of a ransom. God came through the door of this world with His Son, willing to sacrifice His body and blood to pay our ransom. Another word used for this is redeemed. To be redeemed, we must make the choice to let go of the captors and refuse to be held captive by the sins. 

We do this by encountering the blood of Christ. This is found in being baptized into His death (cf. Romans 6:3). This is where we receive remission of sin (Acts 2:37-28). If you have questions about obedience to the Gospel or would like to study what one must do to become a Christian, I would love to study with you from the Scriptures. Christ desires your redemption through the blood of His son and for your sins to be forgiven. Will you accept His gift of grace and be ransomed?

Grace and Peace,

Ryan