Redemption is the action of saving (or being saved) from sin, error or evil. One aspect of redemption can be found in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Sinful humanity was separated from God through the disobedient actions of Adam and Eve.  Through his sacrifice at Calvary, Jesus delivered humankind from being alienated from God. Because of this, we are redeemed and ‘justified’ (made right as if we had never sinned.)  Jesus is often called our redeemer. This refers to the salvation he has brought and accomplished for us by his dying for us.  He became the sacrificial lamb to ‘buy back’, to pay the price for our propensity for sin so that we could be free to claim salvation when we leave this earth, granting us the hope of glory for eternal life with our God. In other words, we have been set free. We affirm that by God’s grace we are saved.

Another aspect of redemption extends beyond the matter of individual salvation.  Jesus is able to ‘restore’ the lives of people, situations and circumstances in this fallen world.  Whether we suffer from addictions, illnesses, depression, wrong choices and heartbreak, our Lord is able to work and bless in the “now”.  We can be changed, set free from bondage and attain peace when we call on the Lord. Through him we can claim victory and abundant life while on earth as he redeems our situations and restores our lives and very souls.  We see our God, and the Lord, restoring lives in scripture: Ruth and King David in the OT…and  Saul of Tarsus, The Prodigal Son, The Woman at the Well, the many healings and deliverances, the Thief on the Cross to name a few.