Redemption Isn't a One-Time Deal

According to Webster, redemption means the act of making something better or more acceptable, the act of exchanging something for money, the act of buying back or repurchasing, or in Christianity, the act of saving people from sin or evil. (source)

All the definitions concern action. It is an active process. It is intentional.

This definition has me thinking of my own redemption. Both you and I were created for relationship with God, but sin came into the world and ruptured that relationship. It is through the saving love and death of Jesus Christ that we are redeemed. He has bought us back, repurchased us, exchanged our sin for eternal salvation. He is making us better through His love. He has redeemed us according to all the definitions of the word.

But where is our action in all of this? Where is my intentionality towards being saved?

I have the opportunity to say "yes" to His redeeming love every day, every moment . . . and often I choose to say "yes" to something else. I say "yes" to impatience, anger, self-indulgence, entitlement (those are my favorites lately).

Jesus is doing the true work of redeeming my soul constantly. It isn’t a one-time occurrence but rather something ongoing, as I fail and fail and fail again. Each time I fall into sin, turning away from living as a faithful daughter of God in favor of fleeting, earthly happiness, the Lord’s redeeming love is there, ready to forgive me once again.

He promises that if I persist in following His way and turning away from my sins, I will see His Salvation (see Psalm 50:23, Isaiah 1:18-19).

We are only a few weeks into Lent with so much time ahead for ongoing prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. As we go about our lives, let's give thanks that God’s redemption is not contingent on our success or failure. Today, join me in striving to do good and thanking God for His redeeming love when we fall short.

Both you and I were created for relationship with God. // Dr. MaryRuth HackettClick to tweet

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Dr. MaryRuth Hackett is the host of the podcast Parenting Smarts. She loves historical fiction, dark chocolate, watching her children play soccer, a good cup of coffee (decaf please) and the quiet of the early morning. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology and has a passion for helping parents understand the way their children grow and develop. She is a contributing author to our children's devotional prayer book called Rise Up. You can find out more about her here.