Redeemed at the Cross

Read Romans 6:15-23.

The Bible says that when Christ died on the cross, He did so to “redeem” sinners (see Titus 2:12-14). But have you ever thought about what it really means to be redeemed? You see, redemption is a marketplace term. It comes from the world of commerce. It means “to buy something back.” Historically, it was used in the slave trade. A slave, made so by debt or circumstance, could be “redeemed,” meaning someone could buy them out of their life of slavery and set them free. At that point, the slaveholder’s ownership would be revoked, and the person would no longer be a slave. So, the question becomes From what or from whom did Jesus Christ buy us back?

You and I were slaves—slaves to sin and slaves to Satan—and Jesus paid the price to set us free. For those who have been redeemed by the Lord, sin and Satan have no power to hold us or keep us. The chains that once bound us have been broken forever. Therefore, sin no longer has any ownership over us. When we do sin, we are drawn to repentance immediately. Why? Because we have been set free by Christ’s blood, free to live for God and serve Him by faith.

There on the cross, Jesus paid an unthinkable price to redeem us. He did this so that we could know Him and be the people God created us to be: no longer slaves to sin but sons and daughters of His Kingdom!

Prayer: Father, You have freed me from the chains of sin and death and called me into Your Kingdom of light! I praise You for Your mercy and grace, Your justice and holiness. Thank You for making me as white as snow. May I live to please You and bring You glory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.