There are a number of sermons in the Bible that are lived out by example through the prophets. One is Hosea whose story parallels the redemption of the people of Israel. God’s message begins by instructing Hosea to marry a prostitute named Gomer. She continues her lifestyle after their marriage however, by giving birth to a son who is not his. She later leaves Hosea, returns to her old profession and eventually sells herself into slavery. God then instructs Hosea to buy Gomer at the slave market and reinstate her as his wife. He again pledges his love and faithfulness to her. This is a biblical example of God’s love and redemption of mankind. We are all unfaithful to the Lord causing us to become a slave to sin, however, God provides Christ as our Savior to redeem us unto Himself.

There are six words in the Bible that define redeem with one being found in 1 Peter 1:18, meaning the price to free a captive. We are not able to offer anything for our own redemption so God freely offers His Son, Jesus Christ, who becomes our ransom.

Redeem is also found in Galatians 3:13 and means to purchase out of, that is, to set free. Christ pays our sin debt which takes care of our eternity. The resurrected life of Christ is now within us freeing us from sin’s control.

A third word for redeem is found in Psalm 34:22 meaning to deliver from using a violent action. The gates of hell will not prevent us from rescuing the perishing by leading them to the Lord. Satan’s hold on us has been broken as we are snatched from his grip.

Another definition is division which is found in Exodus 8:23. After the sixth plague on Egypt, God places a division between His people and the Egyptians. The word redeem means to deliver out of hell but also unto God. There is a now division between Satan and us, meaning nothing can touch us without God’s permission.

A fifth use of redeem is in Genesis 48:16 when Jacob is redeemed from those who wronged him. Now that we belong to God, He will defend us in our battles because they become His.

A sixth definition is found only in the book of Revelation and means to take us to heaven. The Redeemer, by our resurrection, delivers us to His Father’s house. He lifts us from the depths of hell to the heights of heaven.

The redemption of our soul, which is free to those who choose it, is entirely through Christ. He takes the initiative to come to us when we are unable to come to Him.

Our soul’s ransom requires the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord and Savior. He not only delivers us from hell but also brings us into His family where He protects and provides for us. All that He owns now becomes all that we own.

STEVE CONWELL, pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church, is heard mornings on WFLO and WVHL in “A Thought For Today.” His email address is SteveConwell@outlook.com.