Redeemed

   “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43: 1)

   We seem to have a difficult time accepting scripture such as that above at face value.  We want to add our own interpretations and definitions of what they mean.  We are redeemed, but not if we continue to sin; or if we are too bad or evil to be redeemed.  In some cases we convince ourselves that we are unworthy of the redemption promised by these scriptures.

   Sometimes this idea is pressed upon us by those who would say we can’t be Christian unless we meet their definition of what Christianity should be.  Perhaps we can’t meet that definition if we suffer from addiction to alcohol or drugs.  Maybe we can’t be Christian if we don’t give the right amount to the church.  If we get angry our faith is questioned.  If we sin at all, we are accused of hypocrisy.

   We need to realize that we have been redeemed even though we can’t meet the level of perfection some would place on us.  Even more important, we need to recognize that we can’t demand perfection of ourselves.  Paul, in his letter to the Romans writes, “all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God.  They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 3: 23 -24).  We need to understand that our redemption is not of our own doing, but a gift freely bestowed upon us on by our Lord.

   People fear for their place in God’s family because of their sins.  Yet God doesn’t abandon us; He patiently awaits our plea for forgiveness and welcomes us home.  As a parent is overwhelmed with joy when a wayward child returns, so too is God when a sinner returns to Him.

   We can’t have peace in this world if we demand the impossible of ourselves or others.  We have sinned and will sin again.  Perfection is beyond our ability in this life.  The greatest blessing is that God knows and understands this yet still loves us and wants us as His children.

   “But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the holy Spirit.  Keep yourselves in the love of God and wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.  (Jude 1: 20 – 21).