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).
How marvelous it is to be a redeemed one! However, with this reality, we must realize that we were not merely redeemed in order to be secure in the fact that our sins are forgiven, and we will miss hell and have an eternal home in Heaven. Redemption is far more reaching than most Christians realize. Our redemption is vast, consisting of many facets. It has to do with our past, our present, and our future. Not only have we been put back into a right relationship with God, having been forgiven and cleansed of our sins, but we also have an inheritance not fully realized. We have a destiny we are moving towards; the destiny of becoming a fit and suitable Bride for our Redeemer Bridegroom.
Recommended Reading:
Romance of Redemption Part 2
Scripture References:
1 Peter 1:18
Isaiah 43:1
Song of Solomon 1:1
Song of Solomon 7:10