Redeemed, Chosen, and HeirsSample

The Church as the Redeemed

Redemption is at the core of the Church’s identity. The Greek word for redemption, apolýtrōsis, means deliverance through the payment of a ransom. This reminds us of the high price Jesus paid on the cross, shedding His blood to rescue us from the bondage of sin. Redemption frees us from eternal condemnation and brings us into freedom in Christ. We are no longer slaves but free to live for God.

The text also mentions the remission of sins. The Greek word áphesis implies complete forgiveness as if a debt had been totally erased. This means that God not only frees us but also removes from us the guilt and burden of sin. He forgives us completely, without holding a grudge as if a debt were fully paid and forgotten.

All this is done according to the riches of His grace. The word grace, cháris in Greek, refers to God's unmerited favor. There is nothing we can do to earn redemption or forgiveness; it is all a gift from God. Grace is abundant and limitless, and it is the foundation of our redemption.

This truth should shape the way we live. We are called to live as redeemed people, aware of the price that was paid for us and the freedom we have in Christ. We must also extend grace to others, just as God did with us, proclaiming the message of redemption to a world that is still lost.