“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.” Colossians 2:13
Imagine how terrifying being kidnapped would be. You’re tied up and unable to flee your captor’s grasp. Your only hope of escape is if your family and friends pay the ransom demanded for your life.
Each and every one of us has been abducted—only, we have been abducted by something much more sinister than a man. We are born with a sinful nature that has taken us captive. And worse, as sin’s hostages, we have committed various sinful acts that deserve the just punishment of God.
Thankfully, we have a hero who has come to redeem us.
To be redeemed is to be released by someone upon receiving a payment. This act of redemption is just like the illustration above. We are in need of someone to pay our ransom. Jesus himself paid our ransom and delivered us from sin’s grasp.
Unfortunately many of us live our lives as if Christ paid the ransom but then left us with our abductor, still in captivity and held against our wills. Jesus not only paid the ransom for sin; he redeemed us from its grasp. In Christ you have been redeemed from the power of sin.
We are enslaved to sin. Our very nature shackles us to its passions and desires. We are under its power and influence.
Jesus has redeemed you from the power of sin. Sin no longer serves as your master, and you are no longer its slave.
In Christ, you are victorious. You have been emancipated from the penalty and power of sin in your life.
Read
- In what ways has God made you alive in him?
- What are the rulers and authorities you struggle against today?
- We know Jesus gives us the strength to defeat them. What, at times, might keep you from knowing or trusting that he does?
Prayer
Thank Jesus for his victory over Satan and sin. Since he has defeated them both, you now enjoy victory and will experience a complete victory over Satan and sin in heaven. Make sure to thank him for that too!
This devotion is adapted from the Who Do You Think You Are? Study Guides with Daily Devotions resource.
