Remembering Redemption

As Christians, we often speak of God's "sea of forgetfulness." We rejoice in the grace and forgiveness of God, and for very good reason. Aside from the fact that He "hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities," we can take comfort in knowing the Master of creation is on our side and counts us as beloved children whom He has "bought with a price" (Ps. 103:10; Rom. 8:31; 1 Cor. 7:23).

Simply put, our redemption is an invaluable gift and one that we should keep in constant view. Our attitudes and actions should be influenced above all else by the realization that we are among "they which are written in the Lamb's book of life" (Rev. 21:27).

But equally as important as recognizing who you are in Christ is remembering who you were before Christ. Let's take a look at Paul's assessment of our spiritual state before salvation:

"And you . . . were dead in trespasses and sins." (Ephesians 2:1)

Contrary to common illustrations that depict man as drowning or dying in sin, the reality is that we were already dead. The thief had stolen, killed and destroyed, leaving us spiritually lifeless and morally corrupt (John 10:10). Our tombstone was engraved with the ominous epitaph, "there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matt. 8:12). As Paul continued in verse 12, we were "without Christ . . . having no hope, and without God in the world."

To say we needed help would be a serious understatement; we needed miracle, and a miracle is exactly what we got:

• We were dead, “but God, who is rich in mercy . . . hath quickened us together with Christ” (Eph. 2:4-5).

• We were “children of wrath” and are now called “children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:3; Gal. 3:26).

• Our “unclean lips” have tasted and seen that the Lord is good (Isa. 6:5; Ps. 34:8).

True life is found only in knowing Christ (John 17:3). If you’ve accepted God’s gift of salvation and eternal life, never forget where you came from or the price that was paid for your soul (Rom. 6:23). Instead, take a moment today and “look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged” (Isa. 51:1). It may be God has brought you further than you think.