01/01/2024
*NEW YEAR EVE'S SERVICE* 2023
_REV. CHRIS OYAKHILOME DSC DSC DD_
Redemption: Dictionary Definitions...
Make amends for, obtain the release of something from captivity by paying the ransom..etc
To turn in vouchers/coupons for actual value
To release from blame or debt.
The four most important ones that are relevant our discussion for this year. They are very simple
1. To deliver from sin and it's consequences by sacrifice: Jesus paid the redeeming sacrifice for everyone and that's what the gospel of Jesus Christ is about. Salvation for man's soul/spirit. In this salvation, he gives us something. A lot of times, we talk of what he took away (my sin, my condemnation). Most people don't mention what he gave.
The death of Jesus was only a means to an end. The death of Jesus was not the ultimate. It wasn't God's ultimate plan.
His death paid. Satisfying the claims of Justice for all men. His death settled the debt. But there was much more...
Christianity does not begin with the death of Jesus. It begins with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Until a man believes in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, he cannot be saved. (Of course the lesser is Included in the greater). Through his resurrection ,he brought us Justification. This means to be acquitted or declared NOT GUILTY.
When Jesus died, he died in our place. He was crucified in the place of sinners. He paid the penalty for Sin. Because He paid, you don't have to pay again. There is no such thing as Penance. No man could ever pay for his sin.
Justified doesn't suggest that He paid for you.
Imagine that you were owing a debt and they are trying to pay the debt but you couldn't pay. A man comes to pay your debt for you... You paid, even though you didn't pay by yourself!
Think about it...you actually paid for your sins in Jesus Christ.
But Justification means to be declared Not guilty. It's something completely different from what Jesus did. The payment does not make you Justified
