Hi y’all! Accepting redemption sounds incredibly easy, however, we tend to unknowingly reject it. Our minds can’t comprehend what is happening in our hearts, so we pick and choose what makes sense to us- love, grace, mercy, and even forgiveness. But redemption takes us to a whole different level. A place where our past is erased and we become someone new. And quite honestly I think that scares most of us. However, accepting Christ means that you are accepting EVERYTHING He is.
1 Corinthians 1:30
“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God-and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.”
When Jesus died on the cross to save us, He didn’t pick and choose “what” He would save. He became everything, died everything, then rose again to GIVE us everything! So, who are we to limit His gifts, especially when He gave up His throne for 33 years to offer them to us. (Talk about true sacrifice!)
Ephesians 1:7- “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”
A lot of times we think that Jesus died on the cross because God made Him, or because it was His “duty”. However, this scripture tells us otherwise! We have redemption because of His grace. Grace (or mercy) is a message from the heart and brought forth by an unconditional love.
accepting redemption
Firstly, we have to start seeing yourself as worthy. Yes, our past says otherwise and our minds say we aren’t. But Jesus died to offer you a second chance! Without Him we are what we think we are. However, with Him we are a new creation! (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Secondly, we need to start living like we are redeemed! (Because we are, even if we don’t feel it yet.) Living a life free from the weight of the past can be liberating!
So, have you ever read a book or watched a movie where the character just up and leaves all of their grief behind and started over in a new town? They changed their name, occupation, and lifestyle in order to be FREE. However, their past finds them because they left unfinished business behind.
Jesus has offered us that same brand new start! Plus He has already taken care of the unfinished business and left it at the cross!
STAYING redeemed
Now that you know the why and how to accepting redemption, you must learn how to keep the acceptance of being redeemed. We are not perfect, we will slip up at some point and do something to make us feel unworthy again. That is when the devil will throw every lie and ridicule in the book at you. He wants to waver your mindset and cause confusion. Because in that confusion comes doubt and doubt keeps us from reaching our full potential in Christ!
Ephesians 6:11 tells us- “Put on the fill armor of God, that you will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
The armor of God is…(Ephesians 6:14-17)
- The belt of Truth.
- The breastplate of Righteousness.
- The shoes of the Gospel of Peace.
- The shield of Faith.
- The helmet of Salvation.
- The sword of the Spirit. (The Word of God.)
So, if we are fully guarded by Gods armor the devil will not be able to penetrate us with his destructive lies! And we will be able to continue to live in Gods grace and in a redeemed life!!
*For more guidance on your faith walk check out Women of Faith. They are full of inspirational resources!