REDEMPTION by J. Louisa Ireland

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Apr 25, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 17.

REDEMPTION.

By J. Louisa Ireland

GOD so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, "a ransom for all," "that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

All need redemption, for all have sinned. Before sin entered, Adam was a free man. By yielding to sin he became a bond-servant, and all his children, the human family, with him were sold under sin.

But God in His great love for those alienated from Him, provided redemption for them all. None are passed by. All are sold; all are purchased back.

The price paid is the highest that can be given. "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold; . . . but with the precious blood of Christ." Man sold out for a moment of pleasure, but it took all that heaven could give to buy him again and restore him to his former estate. The high price paid is God's valuation of that which man sold for nothing.

But none need remain in bondage to sin. There is deliverance for all. Christ "gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity." It is not a partial redemption; it is complete, from all iniquity. "Sin shall not have dominion over you."

Freedom from sin is not all there is for the redeemed. "God sent forth His Son, . . . to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." "If a son, then an heir of God." Precious privilege, dearly bought, yet how little esteemed of men!

"Christ hath redeemed us; . . . that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith," "that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." The life of Christ was a living example of the fulfilling of the righteousness of the law. We are redeemed that we might receive the promise of the Spirit, and thus be able to live just as Christ lived. "Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood," "that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love; . . . to the praise of the glory of His grace."

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." Now is the time to open the heart's door to Him "who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." "Behold, I [the Redeemer from all iniquity] stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him." Rev. 3:20.

It is not that we need to cry to God to redeem us—that He has already done so far as His part is concerned—but we need to seek Him most earnestly for hearts that are willing to receive all that He is more than willing to give to us.

With outstretched hands, God pleads with His sin-burdened, wandering children, "Return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee." With unwearied patience He calls, "Come unto Me;" "I have redeemed thee; . . . thou art Mine."

But all do not accept of redemption at the hands of God. They choose rather to continue in bondage to sin. Of such the Infinite Heart of love and pity has said: "Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life." "How often would I have gathered thy children together, . . . and ye would not!"

"To-day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts," but come to Him who has bought you with a price. Ask, and receive of Him that which He would give you, eternal redemption. Then, in gladness of heart, you can sing:—

"Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; Redeemed through His infinite mercy; His child, and forever, I am." J. LOUISA IRELAND.