To redeem is to save, to buy back, to make new. It always requires something of someone else for redemption to be complete.
If I want to make lemonade out of lemons, I’ve gotta add sugar.
If I want to reduce the price of an item I am purchasing, I have to hand in the coupon (redeem it).
If I love an old piece of furniture, but it is in rough shape, I will need to either pay someone, or refinish it myself.
Redemption = Effort/Cost
Redemption is more than making lemonade out of lemons. It is also foundational and the solitary solution for the reality of sin.
If someone were to ask me what the Bible is about in one word, I would say redemption.
Humankind, through the acts of the hands and heart of Adam and Eve, have inherited the sin that covers everything in our world and life. It taints our lives with an ink-like blot that stains our lives … past, present and future.
Really, sin is like one inheriting a genetically-caused blood disorder. The one who inherits it has done nothing to deserve it. The disorder is simply handed down, from parent to child. There is nothing that the parent can do to remove it, there is nothing the child can do, to rid oneself of the disorder. The only solution is a blood transfusion. Another party, though, can donate their blood, and through a blood exchange transfusion, the infected blood is replaced with the blood of the third party … saving the child.
To be redeemed, or saved, from sin (and the shame that accompanies it), a cost must be paid, an effort must be made.
This time, it takes more than just a needle in a blood vessel, this takes the very life from the third party. This is that act of redemption … the redeemer gives his very life for the disorder of sin that the infected one (and all of us who are unwittingly infected, through our birth). His selfless act saves, forgives and atones for the disorder of sin we have inherited.
The redemption of our us, from our sins is the greatest act of forgiveness, for our sins are not just forgiven, but they are also erased, wiped clean and our debt is paid by his blood.
Truly “there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13) … and that was done for us.
“Oh redeemed, I’m redeemed, how I love to proclaim it
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
Redeemed by His infinite mercy
His child, and forever, I am”
itsawonderfilledlife 