I Am Redeemed
“...in [Jesus] we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:14
Picture a woman in chains behind bars. Her orange jumpsuit is a beacon screaming out, “Guilty!” She’s lost all hope of freedom from this ugly place until the warden swings open the cell door. “A stranger paid your debt. You can go.” As she hurries out in disbelief, crossing the threshold into the sunlight, she looks down. Where there was once prison garb, she now sees a white sundress and pearls. She’s been transformed by mercy. And she’s you and me.
Apolutrosis. It sounds like an odd sickness, but it’s the original Greek word for redemption in today’s verse. It means to be released because a ransom was paid. What does that reveal about our identity? It tells our story. We were prisoners to sin, held captive, and unable to purchase our freedom. But in our darkest moment, God saw us and bought us back for a high price.
How does it make you feel to know you’ve been ransomed? That a payment was made on your behalf so that nothing hinders your relationship with God? That you now can approach Him with your head up in honor instead of down with shame? It makes me relieved and sad. I’m thankful Jesus paid my debt, but I’m sad it took me so long to grasp His grace. Most importantly, it fuels me to live differently, as close to Jesus, as possible because He’s proven His love.
Perhaps you still feel more chained than freed. But once you trust in Jesus, He wants to bust you out of every jail cell you’ve crawled into. Trust that His sacrifice was enough for your past, present, and future mistakes. God not only paid your debt in full, but also credited you with Jesus’ brilliant righteousness. You can live joyfully knowing He traded your orange jumpsuit for His white robe.
Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She's part of the Wholly Loved Ministries team, is a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. It’s her joy to lead Bible studies in her neighborhood, church, and community because she believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers. Connect with Andrea more online at www.afruitfulwoman.com.
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Originally published Tuesday, 25 February 2020.
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