(Sermon Notes) By Warren Zehrung 3/13/2021
This is a Pre-Passover sermon. Today’s sermon goes into mankind’s need of redemption. Brethren, we do not usually wake up in the morning saying to ourselves, “I am in need of Redemption.” It is not something that we think about a lot.
People today – even in God’s Church – do not spend a lot of time thinking about the concept of our redemption. When we do think about redemption – we think of it in the past tense – as in, “been there, done that.”
When called by God, I repented; God granted me faith in the sacrifice of Christ; I was baptized, I had hands lain on me, I received God’s Holy Spirit, and became a Child of God… That is right – – that is correct,
In a sense, our redemption took place at that time – our sins were covered. So, why would I need to re-visit the Biblical concept of redemption? The Bible speaks of redemption in a number of ways and times – Past Present and Future.
Brethren, almost everyone speaks of Jesus Christ being the “Redeemer.” What does that mean and does redemption have any significance today? It is an interesting fact that the word “redeemer” does not appear in the New Testament at all! But, 18 times in the Old Testament – we will see a few.
Back in the Garden of Eden, the Tree of Life gave promise to the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. But, when Adam and Eve sinned, they and their children were in effect kidnapped and held hostage by Satan.
But, more importantly – they were separated from God. After that transgression, the only hope for mankind is to be redeemed and ransomed back by Jesus Christ. A ransom is a price paid to set the bound and captured go free.
Matthew 20:28 Even as the Son of man came… to give His life a ransom for many. (1Timothy 2:6)
In Jesus’ day on earth, there was a general expectation of the coming of the Redeemer.
Luke 1:67 And [John the Baptist’s] father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,
Luke 1:68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for He hath visited and redeemed his people,
Giving God the glory!
Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
We see that Anna, a prophetess who departed not from the Temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day, gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spoke of Him to all them who looked for redemption [ransoming] in Jerusalem (Luke 2:38).
They looked to be ransomed by a Redeemer. Wow! Within God’s Church we should have a greater general expectation for our coming Redeemer than to unconverted Israelites of Jesus’ day. Today’s sermon goes into mankind’s need for redemption.
The sacrificial shed blood of Jesus Christ covers the ransom price demanded by God’s law which is death for sin. All of mankind awaits one of two things: Death for sin, or redemption to life through God’s grace and mercy.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Some Definitions of Redemption:
Redemption is the forgiveness of our sins and the application of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to us—restoring a right relationship with God.
To redeem, means to ‘buy back,’ either as a purchase or a ransom price.
Redemption then, means deliverance from a death penalty by means of Christ’s sacrificial life as the payment for our sins.
Jesus Christ redeemed us from the consequence of our sins which is death.
Our Redeemer is the One who ransoms us, and obtains our release by the payment demanded.
The payment demanded is our own death. But, Our Redeemer meets the payment demanded with His death as a substitutionary sacrifice. It is important for us to consider our Redemptive process to be an ongoing work by Jesus Christ.
Let’s look at a few verses that indicate that the Redemptive process will not be complete until Jesus returns. There is a future redemption that will take place at the coming of the Lord. We find that in verses like:
Luke 21:27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near. [future tense]
Romans 8:22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.
Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
And Yet Future
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Isaiah 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.
That ancient patriarch, Job, knew about the better resurrection of the saints, and that Christ is our Redeemer.
Brethren, do we, like Job, believe that, “Our Redeemer Lives?”
Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer lives and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
Job understood about the resurrection
Job 19:26 …, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Brethren, do we, like that ancient patriarch, Job, believe that, “Our Redeemer Lives?”
From the moment our original parents, Adam and Eve, sinned in the Garden of Eden, all mankind has been in need of redemption. Adam and Eve chose to follow Satan rather than God.
Instead of God’s Plan for them, their nature was changed to human nature as opposed to divine nature—consequently, – – the law of sin and death prevails over man.
We will see more of the law of sin and death in a moment… Adam and Eve were no longer able to walk with God, and subsequently they were estranged from Him and evicted from the Garden of Eden and the Mountain of the Lord.
Except for those called of God, mankind’s separation remains up until this day. The way to the Tree of Life is not available to mankind. Death came to mankind.
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
1Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Psalm 24:3 Who shall ascend into the [holiness of the] mountain of the LORD? Or who shall stand in His Holy Place?
Who can go back to where God resides – to be with the Lord? Adam and Eve, and subsequently, their children were kicked out.
Psalm 15:1 A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill [mountain]?
Romans 8 has a most important defining Scripture which speaks to Two Laws. The great promise of redemption is that man be ‘bought back’ from bondage and slavery to sin, to take part in the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus: Note the Two Laws:
**Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. That is another good definition of redemption, explained by two laws.
Romans 8:2 is an either, or Scripture. They are opposites.
It is impossible for both laws to apply, for we are either with God, or we are in the world. Those are two totally different ways of life: Human nature versus Divine Nature.
2Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.
Divine nature, that is God’s nature. That is rising above the quagmire of this world. Even now, for the Children of God, that divine nature has begun to make itself manifest by God’s Spirit motivating us to be like Him.
In God’s inestimable love, He chose to die in place of mankind—so that man could live in His presence. God substituted His life in payment for the consequence of man’s sin. Jesus Christ died the death of man so that man could live the life of God — in the Family of God and His Kingdom forever more.
1Corinthians 6:19 Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
How is it that we are owned by God? We are told…
1Corinthians 6:20, For you are bought with a [Great] price [that is redemption]: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
What is that Great Price? We are redeemed from the penalty of our sins with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. We are not redeemed with corruptible things, like money, silver or gold. When Jesus was slain, He redeemed us to God by His life’s blood. He ‘bought us back’ out of every kindred, and language, and people, and nation.
Revelation 5:9 …for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
In the New Testament, we see that physical concept of slavery and bondage in Egypt, is replaced with the spiritual concept of bondage to sin. And instead of the many imperfect animal sacrifices for sin in the Old Testament – we find the one perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ — redeeming us from bondage to sin.
Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified [set apart for a holy purpose] through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all. [on one unique occasion — only once] (Hebrews 7:27, 9:29)
When and at what point are we as Christians redeemed? When is redemption achieved for each of us?
First, at the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Secondly, when we have faith in Jesus’ redemptive sacrifice…
When God grants us that belief that Jesus is our Redeemer through His shed blood for our sins. Our Redemption is a great gift.
The once and for all aspect of Hebrews 10:10 is most important to recognize. It is never something to treat lightly or to be toyed with. Jesus died only once for us. He will not go back and die again for us if we go back into a world of sin.
Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice [no more redemption, no more forgiveness] for sins,
What is left?
Hebrews 10:27 But, a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation [in the lake of fire for those who do not have their name written in the Book of Life], which shall devour the adversaries. (Revelation 20:15)
Why is condemnation and fiery indignation the only thing remaining…?
Hebrews 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,
Hebrews 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,
Hebrews 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame. [Redemption is lost!]
Paul explains the redemptive process to which we aspire—we seek, because we need redemption.
Titus 2:13-14 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify His very own people chosen for Himself, zealous of good works.
Let’s look at why we are in need of redemption – the Title of today’s sermon: Jesus created Adam and Eve. They belonged to Him – but repudiated Him.
Redemption heals that breach [that separation, split-up] so that we once again belong to Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Unfortunately, Adam and Eve followed Satan, renouncing their affiliation with Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; you are mine.
Mark 9:41 …You belong to Christ,
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him.
We saw in… 1Corinthians 6:19-20, we are not our own, For we are bought with a [Great] price.
1Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession…
1Peter 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God… [God possesses us]
When Adam and Eve sinned, they and their children were in effect kidnapped and held hostage by Satan. The only hope of mankind was to be redeemed and ransomed by Jesus Christ. The sacrificial shed blood of Jesus Christ covers the ransom price demanded by God’s law which is death for sin.
The Night to be Much Remembered, is a celebration or a great feast unto God for redeeming and delivering the firstborn who are dedicated to God.
And that’s why we need the Passover, and that’s why we need the Feast of Unleavened Bread, that’s why we need the Spirit of God working in our lives to help us, to uplift us, to redeem us, to rescue us, so that we can produce the fruit and character that God wants us to have.
We have all been evicted from the Holiness of the Mountain of the Lord (Psalm 24:3). Who then shall know God and eternal life?
For His Name’s sake, and to fulfil His Plan for mankind, God has chosen to redeem mankind—buying back man for and unto Himself. His Plan for mankind will not fail. Certainly, His name is highly esteemed, and of impeccable integrity.
1Samuel 12:22 For the LORD will not forsake His people for His great Name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you His people.
God’s Name’s sake means, “So that those things God has said in His Word, and His Plan, will come to fruition.”
How could such a magnificent thing take place? How could the evil nature of mankind be changed into God’s glorious nature? Adam and Eve were offered God’s glorious nature—they chose the opposite. Only redemption is able to bring a man under the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:2)
Mankind’s sin has doomed him to eternal death. As Creator God, Jesus’ Eternal life—a perfect offering—was of more worth than all His creation’s temporal value (Hebrews 10:10).
In Genesis 15 Jesus promised to die in man’s place – so that man might be able to live. In the same way conversion takes place when we are called, and is yet a lifetime process, redemption is a lifelong process for Christians.
Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Jesus Christ paid the price to purchase human beings (back) – setting them free from slavery to sin. In the New Testament, redemption is the act of God that frees us from the penalty we incurred by our sins — by substituting the death of Christ for the death penalty we rightly deserve.
We’ll see here in Mark that Jesus came to be the Redeemer. Jesus told His 12 apostles:
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, [not to be served, but to serve] and to give His life a ransom for many.
1Timothy 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
But, all the sins of mankind, from all generations, would exact a very high price indeed. That is a big price to be paid.
To redeem humanity, the price had to be greater than the total value of all human life combined on earth – that is a whopping price. Who is worth more than all the universe. We cannot pay for our own sins…
The answer is that Jesus Christ is worth more than all the universe because He is its Creator God. This is a very important point – the Bible iterates this point over and over.
For emphasis, let’s rehearse the repetition of the Scriptures and show that – not the Father, but Jesus was the hands-on Creator God.
Because Jesus was the Son of God and Creator of all mankind, Christ’s life was of sufficient value to purchase everyone and pay the price for all sins.
Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that He by the grace of God [He] should taste death for every man.
Every man = billions upon billions of human beings.
Hebrews 2:10 For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, [Jesus life is worth more than the universe] in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
This was not a new concept in the New Testament—Jesus had revealed it to King David long before:
All Things were Made by Jesus who created mankind and everything! Let me make sure that this Biblical concept is clear: For example, Who or what is worth more – a painter or his painting? The painter who made and owns his painting is worth more. In fact, he can paint many pictures – and still be worth more than all of his combined paintings – because he created them. It is the same way with Jesus and the work of his hands.
Psalms 102:25 You [Jesus Christ] laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of your hands.
Through the workings of God’s Spirit, David looked forward to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to deliver him and redeem him from death.
Colossians 1:16 For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible [spirit world], whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him:
Everywhere and everything!
Colossians 1:17 And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.
Jesus made the world.
Hebrews 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds;
God the Father, by and through Jesus Christ created everything that exists. God the father was the Executive Director, and Jesus was the hands-on Designer and Creator.
John 1:3 All things were made by Him [Jesus Christ]; and without Him was not anything made that was made.
John 1:10 Jesus was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.
Jesus made it all. Again, God the Father directed the work of Creation that Jesus performed. Ephesians 3 says it very clearly:
Ephesians 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
The distinction of roles between the Father and the Son is made over and over in the Bible:
1 Corinthians 8:6 To us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him.
Jesus created us too, and that is the important distinction to make. Jesus alone is the Creator and Redeemer of the world – He is able to buy us back and place us where He originally intended that we be.
Isaiah 44:24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and He that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that makes all things; that stretches forth the heavens alone; that spreads abroad the earth by myself;
Jesus is alone able to be the redemptive sacrifice – He is worth more than all of creation. Adam and Eve were offered God’s glorious nature—they chose the opposite. Only redemption is able to bring a man under the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. He made us from scratch, from nothing – we belong to Him.
1 Peter 1:18,19, Forasmuch as you know that you were not redeemed (lutroo) with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conduct [our sins] received by tradition from your fathers [we all come from a long line of sinners]; but [we were redeemed] with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
Brethren, this gives us some idea of what we are worth to God when we see the price of redemption He paid to have us back! Look at what a tremendous price Jesus paid for us!
Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou [Jesus Christ] art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.
Let’s look at the 144,000 first redeemed resurrected saints of Revelation 14.
Revelation 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins [spiritually speaking]. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes. These were redeemed from among men [not all mankind], being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
We have been bought back from the penalty of death. Jesus paid a fantastic price to redeemed us from the curse of the law.
Galatians 3:13, Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree.
Jesus became the curse – in our stead.
Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Godly repentance is necessary to receive the Redemption of Christ.
Do we all need to be redeemed? Yes, we do.
Romans 3:24 Being justified freely [made right with God] by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation [atoning sacrifice – the expiatory victim to reconcile us into God’s good graces] through faith in His [shed] blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Ephesians 1:7, In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace.
Ephesians 1:14 The Holy Spirit… Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.
Redemption is a big story… The ransom to get Israel out of Egypt was the death of the firstborn of Egypt.
Isaiah 43:3 I gave [the firstborn of] Egypt for your ransom. (Numbers 33:4).
The blood on the doorposts was a token (Exodus 12:13) so the firstborn of Israel would not die.
The blood was not to save all Israel from death. The ransom was to allow Israel to go free! The blood was to save Israel’s firstborn from being part of the ransom! For us today, the Ransom is Christ, the Firstborn of God.
1Corinthians 5:7 Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us.
Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. [eternal life in God’s Family]
Hebrews 9:15, And for this cause [Jesus] is the mediator of the new covenant, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Without sin means, not as a sin offering, not to bear sin, but apart from sin.
1Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1Peter 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
1Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
1Peter 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
From the beginning God knew how He would work out our redemption.
1Peter 1:20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
1Peter 1:21 Who by Him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
Look at the love that God the Father displayed in the giving of His only begotten Son; and the love that Jesus exhibited by the laying down of His life for us—dying as a human being—as an example of how we must also lay down our lives with a pure loving heart for one another.
1Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
That is not a Surprise ending.
John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
See that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
Let’s answer the question for ourselves, “Are we in need of redemption?”
End: In Need of Redemption