How Deep Does Redemption Go? by Rusty McKie

Pastor Robert asked me this question a while back, and I have not been able to get it off my mind.  One’s answer to this question reveals their view of God, self and the cross.  Many believers these days live the Christian life defeated – before they’ve really even begun.  They do not realize that the gospel is the power of God for salvation from start to finish (Rom 1:16).

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil 1:6)

The Apostle Paul was “sure” that God would complete His work in believers, but I do not know if believers today are so sure.  We somehow think that there are areas of our lives that God cannot reach.  We accept sins and hurts as the norm in life, leaving no room for change.  However, this defeatist mindset is not the norm of the New Testament. We are told:

“…you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (Col 3:9-10)

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.  For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor 3:18)

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 15:56-57)

Do you see the theme that runs through those Scriptures?  Hope!  We have a sure hope that God is redeeming us.  We can and should expect God to work in our lives, because we know that we have a God who loves to redeem things!  He delights to take broken people and make them new.  Although we cannot always see how He is doing this, we know that God’s heart is to redeem people hurt by sin, as well as to redeem people from their sin.

Therefore, do not shift from the hope of the gospel (Col 1:23).  Remind yourself today that God has not given up on you, and then share this hope with others.  He will surely complete His work to bring His church into conformity with Christ (Rom 8:29).  How deep does redemption go?  God’s redemption goes to the very heart of a man.  Brothers and sisters, let us cling to Christ; He is our hope!