GOD THE REDEEMER

The writers of the Old Testament Scriptures delighted to consider the blessed truth that God is a Redeeming God. The psalmists had a similar delight, as is evident by their frequent references.

Redemption is by Power: “With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm”, God delivered His people out of Egypt, Psa. 136. 10-12. He declared His strength among the people, and with His own arm redeemed them, 77. 14. Their own arm did not save them, but “thy right hand, and thine arm”, 44. 3. Thus was His promise fulfilled, for He had said, “I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments”, Exod. 6. 6. On the basis of this redemption by power, Nehemiah could plead with God concerning the remnant in his day, Neh. 1. 10.

As to ourselves, it was “when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly”, Rom. 5. 6. Through the gospel, we experience nothing less than the power of God, 1 Cor. 1. 24. The gospel came to us “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power”, 2. 4, and this effectually works in those that believe, 1 Thess. 2. 13.

Redemption is by the Pity of God: God has a favour unto sinners, Psa. 44. 3, for His mercy endures for ever, 136. 10; it was “in his love and in his pity he redeemed them”, Isa. 63. 9. “Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed”, Exod. 15. 13.

Redemption is with a Great Price: “thy congregation, which thou hast purchased of old … which thou hast redeemed”, Psa. 74. 2. We confess that “Christ our passover is sacrificed for us”, 1 Cor. 5. 7, for He came to give His life a ransom for many, Matt. 20. 28. In glory we shall boast that “thou … hast redeemed us to God by thy blood”, Rev. 5. 9, for “the redemption of their soul is costly”, Psa. 49. 8 R.V.

The Purpose of Redemption is to deliver from the pit, Job 33. 24, from the curse of the law, Gal. 3. 13, from the grave, Job 19. 25-26; Eph. 1. 14; 4. 30. Surely it is plenteous redemption, Psa. 130. 7!

We were redeemed from our vain (empty) manner of life, 1 Pet. 1. 18, to live as those who are His alone, Isa. 43. 1. Let us “subscribe” to this truth by heart and action, Isa. 44. 5.