UNLIMITED LIFE

Have you ever thought about the concept of redemption? If you are a saved believer then you most likely have on some level. Otherwise, it just might conjure up images of an action movie title (it actually is one, just so you know). Lately I have been thinking about redemption as we begin a new year. While Ecclesiastes assures us that there is nothing new under the sun, it can feel a bit like a redemption the further away from 2020 we get. 

My niece, Norah, gave me a beautiful answer to the question, “What is redemption?”. Her answer was “getting a second chance”. That resonated with me. I have needed second chances (or third, fourth, fifth…) in my life many times. 

​As I think about a redemptive year, I think about the new chances I have for self-improvement in areas of my life that need it. I need to lose some weight. I need to be better about reading my Bible. I need to be more in tune with my kids when they are home and awake. I need to be proactive in learning my Portuguese so I can be a more effective missionary. All of these things were not completed in the last year (or two). So now I have another chance. That kind of thing feels good to me. It’s awesome to be able to hit that reset button and redeem yourself on various goals. 

Let’s think deeper, though. Redemption in the Old Testament came through sacrificing animals on certain dates with very specific instructions OR through the high priest going into the Most Holy Place and communing with God for the people of Israel. If you weren’t part of the nation of Israel you had no hope and no redemption! With the arrival of Jesus, we see that these extensive practices come to an end. With his perfect sacrifice, Jesus redeemed us in the deepest sense of the word. While Norah’s answer about redemption was true, Jesus puts a new spin on it. It doesn’t just mean a second chance, but a complete and total exchange of all our mess ups for a clean slate - FOREVER! This means another chance no matter how many chances you have previously used. In video game terms - unlimited life. I kind of like that thought. Jesus gives us unlimited life. Who wouldn’t be excited about that! 

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to seal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

This is one of the most awesome promises we have in the Bible. And the best part is that it is all throughout the Bible. The Old Testament is pointing out the need for it and telling us it is coming. The New Testament tells us that it is here and how we can achieve it. Jesus is the way! Giving your life to Jesus - crucifying the old man to the cross allowing Jesus to redeem you and pay the price for ALL your sins - is the only way to true redemption.

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” 
​
I hope that you are living in a redeemed state today. If not, reach out to any one of us. We would LOVE to study or talk to you about how to make that commitment to Christ and live in a constant state of redemption. It is a beautiful and peaceful, hopeful and eternal thing. Take advantage of it today! 

---

WRITTEN BY: Angie Reese