The Resurrection Life is a Redeemed Life
August 3, 2015
1. A Redeemed Life is a Life of FREEDOM
Now that you are “in Christ” you possess redemption. Literally, God has graciously given you freedom FROM the penalty and punishment of sin. You are forgiven. The charges that stood against you were released. There is now no record of your sin. The blood of Jesus cleared your account. God no longer holds anything against you. Your record of sin has been removed and released. Every sin, even your worst sin has been paid for by the shed blood of Jesus.
What does it mean then, to live in this freedom?
One, you no longer have to live in guilt. Your heart is clean. Christ has taken away every sin, every stain, every hurtful and shameful thing you have ever done. Your forgiveness has set you free from guilt and shame.
Two, you no longer have to live in fear. You no longer have to fear judgment. Christ’s forgiveness tells you that God is for you, not against you. You are no longer under law, but under grace. And a life under grace is a life of freedom.
Three, you no longer have to be defined by your past. Your sin no longer defines you. Your past is a thing of the past.
2. A Redeemed Life is a Life of HOPE
As crazy and chaotic as our world may seem right now, everything, all history is moving in one direction. There will be a day when everything in heaven and earth will come together in unity under the reign of Christ. His Kingdom will come. He will reign. And everything and everyone will be united under Him.
3. A Redeemed Life is a Life of PURPOSE
God has let us in on how the story is going to end with Christ redeeming all things under His reign. And now part of His wisdom in letting us in on the story is so that we can see how we fit into the story. And how we fit into the story is this: We are living examples of His redeeming work. And as we are living examples of His redeeming work, our changed lives reveal a hope for the world. We are living proof of a redeeming God!
He didn’t redeem you simply to give you the benefits of His grace. He redeemed you to reveal His glory! Your life is living proof of God’s extravagant grace!