Introduction
At the beginning of the world, we were one with God, and He ruled over us, protected us by his grace and mercies. However, our founding parents (Adam and Eve) deviated from God’s grace by sinning, and since then, we lost our God. When we lost God, his leadership departed us, and we adopted human laws, which are sinful to guide our ways, making us more sinful. Due to his mercies, he gave us a chance to become one with him by sending his Son to die for us to be united with him. God has expressed his redemptive nature to the world through many means, such as redeeming Abraham, sending Christ, and even the Holy Spirit to guide us. Despite all these sacrifices, many people are not redeemed, and some are struggling with means on how to gain redemption. Therefore, this work takes us through the redemption process from definition up to living the life of redemption.
Redemption Defined
Redemption on a normal term means acquiring whatever we lost and making it ours again. From a biblical perspective, it means taking our rightful position in God’s authority and kingdom. Redemption is therefore accepting the circumcision of the heart regardless of your race and the willingness to live according to God's command. " since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith” Romans 3:30). Redemption can also be defined us abandoning the worldly laws and accepting God’s grace to rule over us. “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4.
We become redeemed by abandoning our sins, having faith in him, and seeking his forgiveness". For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness because he had passed over former sins in his divine forbearance. Romans 3:23-25)
How Redemption Happens
Redemption is a procedural process; it is not a one-time thing but involves certain steps and actions. The first step to redemption is the acknowledgment of sin. Acknowledging your wrongs and sinful life due to your origin, environment, actions, and the law. "What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin," Romans 3:9.
After acknowledging one's sinful nature, the next step is repentance and willingness to allow Christ to come into us, guide us so that we live according to his way. This step is summarized as abandoning the life of living by the law and accepting living by grace. This step also involves gaining and expressing one's faith in God and Jesus Christ. "This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” Romans 3: 22-24.
The next process is accepting God's circumcision, not the early circumcision of the flesh. Our hearts become circumcised as a sign of the covenant between God and us. "Since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith” Romans 3: 30. When we are circumcised, we become redeem d, and God's grace and the mercy rule over us.
The Transition
The transition process to redemption requires two things; one is faith by believing in God's existence and his mercies and goodness over us. Through faith, we abandon earthly laws and seek the leadership of God. By faith, we die with Christ and resurrect afresh. After the resurrection, we become new, and someone else rules us. “Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives?” Romans 7: 1.
After the resurrection, grace takes over us and rules us because upon our death, we are circumcised. At this point, we are free from the guilt of sin because we are born again, and we are no longer condemned for our sinful nature. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” Romans 8: 1-2.
What a Redeemed Life Looks Like
Upon receiving redemption, a redeemed life is expected to portray certain behaviors that show that they are different from others who have not received the redemption. A redeemed life is expected to live a holy life free from any form of sin or any blame. Their acts should not have any mistake or lead to any blame. "But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” Colossians 1: 22.
Secondly, a redeemed person should be able to suffer for the sake of Christ. Meaning they should be able and ready to persevere criticism and persecution as Christ did. Through doing so, they express their allegiance to Christ. “Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church” Colossians 1:24. Through the suffering, there is also hope for God’s coming glory. “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” Romans 8:18.
Finally, a redeemed life should love other people and show gentleness, kindness, patience, and tolerance. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” Colossians 3: 12-13.” Masters provide your slaves with what is right and fair because you know that you also have a Master in heaven” Colossians 4: 1.
Conclusion
Redemption is a gradual process that begins by acknowledging sin and concludes by God's grace ruling over us instead of earthly laws and actions. The process requires a lot of sacrifice by abandoning one's lifestyle and accepting new ways.
Works Cited
New International Version. Bible Romans Chapter 3-8. Gateway. Web. 24. September. 2020.
New International Version. Bible Colossians Chapter 1-4. Gateway. Web. 24. September. 2020.