Two major obstacles block us from returning to the presence of God: death and sin.
We live, and we die. Our resurrection from death is certain. This is a supreme gift of unequalled compare. Though dead, we will rise again, and when we do, we will come forth in a flawless condition. Not even a single hair from our heads will be unaccounted. It is hardly fathomable. It is nearly beyond belief!
But it is real, thanks be to the greatness of God and the submissiveness of Jesus. Mercifully, we mortals have a way to overcome death and be brought back into God’s presence. The resurrection of Jesus assures our own resurrection. We are the benefactors of the love of Jesus who offered himself as the very bridge that closes the chiasm of death between us and God.
Our redemption from sin, on the other hand, is absolutely possible but depends on our daily willingness to humble ourselves and petition the Divine for needful pardon. Redemption from sin comes from God when we access the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It’s a choice we intentionally make over and over. The beautiful thing, among so many, is that the Atonement is continually available to right our wrongs, to restore our souls, and to deliver us from undesirable consequences of our sinful mistakes.
This is our two-fold redemption. From death for certain. From sin for certain – as we daily repent.
This reclamation really is quite a joyful matter, and so I ask: are we living joyfully? Are we carrying on like we are redeemed? Are we acting as if we know it? Does it show on our faces and in our countenances? Do we believe it? Has the joy of our redemption softly settled, like morning dew, upon our souls? Has it trickled deep inside the chambers of our hearts?
Must we speak of it? Can we not be restrained?
We are redeemed! Let us have joy in our redemption! It is an incredible thing about which to be joyous!
When we lived in the southern United States, it was beautiful to see so many Jesus lovers in the community. These were unashamed of their Christian roots people. They wore shirts proclaiming Jesus as Lord. They spoke of Him with naturalness and ease. We hadn’t been in the South for even a week before we were invited to join a local Baptist congregation for Sabbath worship. It was awesome.
I loved this example from my brothers and sisters of the South. Like them, I believe in my redemption from sin and death, thanks be to God and Jesus. Like them, I want to more confidently proclaim it.
Once while worshipping in the temple, I asked the Lord what I could do to make the walls of our home sing with praise. His answer: “You are redeemed. Have joy in your redemption.”
Yes!
Yes!
We are redeemed!
Let us have joy in our redemption!
Unto all the world: you are redeemed!