God's love for us is exceedingly greater than the love depicted in romance novels. Our timeless story is the ultimate love story ever penned. We are loved by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And He is this day wooing and summoning us unto Himself. He is arousing in us a revelation of the passion that burns in His heart towards each of us; a passion that burned so deeply our Champion of Love willingly left the glories of Heaven, took on the form of bond servant, humbling Himself unto the death of Calvary's cross. Through this sacrificial act of extravagant love, mankind's bondage was eternally broken, Satan's Kingdom utterly destroyed, and a Glorious Bride was secured - a Bride, who would become the eternal counterpart of the Beloved Son of God.
If love is the story of the Bible, and it most certainly is, then redemption has to be its sub-title, for everything in the plan of God hinges on redemption. Because of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, it was necessary for an eternal price to be paid to redeem (buy back; liberate from captivity, bring back to a former place) mankind, thereby bringing him back into union with God. Our whole life is contingent upon redeeming love! Without redemption, bridal union between humanity and a Holy God would be impossible. However, God so loved this world that He gave His only-begotten Son (John 3:16) in order that we, through His death, could experience redemption and be brought close to God. Redemption is God's plan. He designed it, and He paid the price for our redemption.
We are a redeemed people. But, oh what a price was paid for our redemption! The apostle Peter tells us about this price paid for our redemption. " For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect" (1 Peter 1:18, 19 NIV).
Our story has been written in red, for it has been written with the precious, costly, highly honored Blood of Jesus. Although, as lovers of Jesus, we place a high premium on the Blood He shed for us, there is no one who places a greater value on the Blood of Jesus than our Father God. The Blood of Jesus is near and dear to the heart of God for it has to do with the death of His Son. It is in the Blood of Jesus that we find the supreme revelation of the wisdom, power and love of God. Redemption through the shed Blood of Jesus is God's thought, His plan, and His way.
It is through God's plan of redemption that we are able to experience a rich spiritual inheritance. For example, as a redeemed one we are freely justified, wholly sanctified, and wonderfully glorified. We have manifold provisions that our Redeemer procured for us such as: peace, prosperity, plenty, purity, perfection, preservation and protection. Listen to these comforting words that God spoke through Isaiah: "...thus says the Lord Who created you, He Who formed you...Fear not, for I have redeemed you ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives; I have called you by name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you, and through the rivers they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned or scorched, nor shall the flame kindle upon you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior;...Because you are precious in My sight and honored and I love you" (Isaiah 43:1-4).
While working on this article, the Lord spoke to my heart concerning this verse and said, "This is what redemption is all about: You are MINE. I purchased you; you belong to Me, and My passionate desire is toward you." As we ponder this statement, there is only one conclusion to be made: There is nothing in the entire world that can compare with having the Lord feel this way about us. We are precious beyond words to our Beloved God! You may be thinking, "How can this be? I mess up and fail, and so often fall short of His glory. " There is a truth we need to continually remind ourselves of. It is the truth that in spite of our humanity, immaturity, failures, weaknesses and shortcomings, our Redeemer God loves us unconditionally.
I encourage you to meditate on the following word from the Lord: It is time for My people to access the provisions of redemption! My people must stand up and declare their redemption through My Blood. You are a redeemed one, and as such, you have the ability to access the supernatural. All that I lived and died for was for you. You were on My mind when I paid redemption's price. I paid it for you. I want you whole! I want you healed! I want you free! You are My purchased Bride. You belong to Me. It's time for you to rise up into all the beauty of an adorned Bride. I desire to lavish you with heavenly adornments. I want to beautify you and make your renown known throughout the whole earth. Take hold of Me My Bride, My beloved, and take hold of My provisions. Take hold of the beauty with which I desire to adorn you. Refuse to be denied of all that I am fervently longing to do and give to you. Be bold. Get before My face and cry out - refusing to settle for anything less than that which Calvary's Blood secured for you. The price has been paid. You have a legal redemptive right to every provision you need while you are residing here in this earth realm. I say to you - access heaven's supply. Access it through My Blood and the covenant you have entered into with Me. We are one and through Calvary's Blood. I won the victory for you. Now take hold of that victory and rejoice.
Whatever situation or circumstance you find yourself in this season of your life, remember, you have been redeemed through the costly, highly honored blood of Jesus. Your victory has been secured. Don't let anything or anyone, including the threats of the enemy, shake your confidence in all that has been secured for you through your redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Recommended Reading:
God's Eternal Love Story
A God in Love with His Cherished Creation
The Divine Romance
Scripture References:
1 Peter 1:18
Isaiah 43:1-4
Song of Solomon 1:1
Song of Solomon 7:10