1. To whom does the subject of redemption pertain?
“In whom we have redemption through His [Christ’s] blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace,” Ephesians 1:7.
2. Is this redemption present or future?
“And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption,” Ephesians 4:30.
“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your hands; for your redemption draweth nigh,” Luke 21:28.
3. What was the condition of the Gentiles before they heard the Gospel?
“That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world,” Ephesians 2:12.
NOTE: From the scriptures cited above we learn that redemption includes our eternal salvation, and the fulfillment of all God’s promises to the true believers.
4. What does redemption manifest?
“That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 2:7.
5. What is our present relation to God?
“And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together,” Romans 8:17.
6. When is the proof of our acceptance with God, made manifest to the world?
“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,” Romans 8:23.
7. Who secured these privileges for us?
“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,” Hebrews 9:12.
8. What besides life is assured by redemption?
“But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace,” Psalm 37:11. Or, the earth is redeemed to its former state of beauty.
9. What manifestation have we of divine love?
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” John 3:16.
10. Who has the keeping of this life?
“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God,” Colossians 3:3.
11. When will we appear with Him in glory?
“When Christ, Who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory,” Colossians 3:4.
NOTE: Eternal life is God’s greatest gift to man; nothing known to us can be compared to it. The promise of life should be accepted with the deepest gratitude, as it is simply a divine favor proving God’s love for the human family.
We praise Thee for the radiance
That from the hallowed page,
A lamp to guide our footsteps,
Shines on from age to age.
The church from her dear Master
Received the gift divine,
And still that light she lifteth
O’er all the earth to shine.