Truth and Redemption
The first thing I want to do is to say thank you. Our goal has always been to take the Gospel, the quintessential story of redemption, to everyone in their own language. This happens because redeemed people desire to see others find redemption through the preaching of the message of Jesus. In doing so, we must always maintain three attitudes in proclaiming redemption through Jesus.
First is the attitude of gratitude. Paul wrote in Colossians 1 that “We joyfully give thanks for the inheritance we have in Christ. In Colossians 1:13-14, Paul wrote, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
The truth is that Jesus is the only way to redemption and forgiveness of sin. What other religion can offer you a way to pay for your sins? As the old song says, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” When I give to One Kingdom, I do so because I am thankful for the redemption I have in Christ and want others to discover redemption as well.
Second is the attitude of action. Jesus not only died for us but to also work in us to be his people who are eager to do what is good. In Titus 2:14 it says, “Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
The actions of God’s people during difficult times become a great testimony to the truth of who Jesus is and the redemption that can be found in him. The world is waiting to see how we respond to racism, politics, addiction, sexuality, and the impoverished around us. The darkness of this culture only magnifies the need for God’s people to be salt and light. Jesus did not call us to protest the world but to preach his redemptive message to it.
Third is the attitude of anticipation. Grace teaches us what to do while we wait. Titus 2:11-13 says, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and Godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
The Psalmist says “I wait for the Lord and in his word I put my hope…O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption” (Psalm 130:5,7).
We wait in anticipation with full confidence. The question the cancer patient often has concerning their surgery is, “Did you get it all?” The writer in Psalm 130:7 proclaims that God got it all.
Notice the last part of verse 7: “With him is full redemption.”
The truth about your sin is that God got it all!