What Gift Of Grace Is Jesus My Redeemer
Jesus came to earth to redeem us from our sins through his sacrifice on the cross. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Jesus is the ultimate gift of God’s grace to humanity, offering forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life to all who believe in him.
In this article, we will explore in detail the gift of grace that Jesus provides as our Redeemer. We will look at how Jesus frees us from sin, grants us salvation, adopts us as children of God, gives us new life through his resurrection, and the promise of eternal life with him.
Freedom from Sin
Death as Payment for Sin
According to the Bible, the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). When Adam and Eve sinned, death entered the world. Every human after that was born with a sinful nature and has sinned, falling short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23).
Jesus came to pay the penalty for sin on our behalf through his sacrificial death on the cross. He took the punishment we deserved so that through faith in him, we could be forgiven and set free from the power of sin.
The Bible says, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Though Jesus lived a sinless life, he took on the sins of the world so that all who believe in him don’t have to suffer eternal death and separation from God.
His resurrection proved he conquered sin and death, providing freedom and new life for all who put their trust in him.
Breaking the Curse and Power of Sin
Not only did Jesus’ sacrifice secure forgiveness of sins, but it also broke sin’s control over our lives. Though Christians still struggle with sinful tendencies and temptations because of the flesh, sin no longer has mastery over us (Romans 6:14).
Through faith in Christ, sin’s curse and consequences have been fully absorbed by Jesus. As we walk by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can have victory over any sin that seeks to entangle us (Galatians 5:16).
Additionally, Hebrews 2:14-15 says Jesus came to “destroy the devil who holds the power of death” over humankind. His sacrifice nullified the effect of sin, which is eternal separation from God. Now all who put their trust in Christ are set free from sin and death’s dreadful grip.
We can confidently look forward to eternal life with him.
Salvation through Faith
Justification by Faith
According to the Bible, we are justified and redeemed before God through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:28). This means that when we place our trust in Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross, we are declared righteous in God’s sight.
Though we have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, Christ bore the punishment for our sins so that through faith in Him, we can be forgiven and seen as blameless before a holy God (Romans 3:23-24). This is an incredible gift of grace that allows us to have peace with God (Romans 5:1).
Some key aspects of justification by faith include:
- It is a free gift from God that we cannot earn through good works or religious rituals (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- It comes through trusting in the completed work of Christ on our behalf (Romans 3:21-22)
- It results in a right legal standing before God where we are counted as righteous in His sight (2 Corinthians 5:21)
In his grace, God did for us what we could not do for ourselves, justifying us and reconciling us to Himself through Jesus. We simply need to respond in faith to receive this gift. As Titus 3:7 (ESV) says, “so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Reconciliation with God
Because of sin, humanity was separated and alienated from God (Isaiah 59:2). But out of His great love, God made a way for us to be reconciled and restored in relationship with Him (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).
This reconciliation was accomplished through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross, shedding His blood as payment for our sins (Colossians 1:20).
When we place our faith in Christ, believing that His death was for us, we are reconciled with God. The hostility, division, and separation caused by sin is removed, and we can have peace, fellowship, and restored relationship with God as our Father (Romans 5:10-11).
God no longer counts our sins against us (2 Corinthians 5:19), and we become His dearly loved children (1 John 3:1).
Some wonderful blessings of being reconciled with God include:
- Access to God’s throne of grace where we can make requests of Him (Hebrews 4:16)
- The Holy Spirit who empowers us to obey and change us to be more like Christ (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
- Confidence we are in God’s family and have an eternal inheritance with Him (Ephesians 1:13-14)
The gift of reconciliation is for all who put their trust in Jesus. What an awesome privilege it is be restored in relationship with God Almighty through Christ’s reconciling work on the cross!
Adopted as God’s Children
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, an amazing transformation takes place – we become adopted children of God! This is truly a gift of grace that we do not deserve, but God freely offers us the opportunity to be part of His family.
The Bible tells us in John 1:12-13, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
When we believe in Jesus, we are spiritually reborn into God’s family. What an incredible privilege!
The Benefits of Being God’s Child
There are many blessings that come with being adopted into God’s family. Here are a few of the key benefits:
- We gain a new identity in Christ. We are no longer simply sinners, but dearly loved children of God (1 John 3:1).
- We have direct access to God our Father. We can come to Him at any time in prayer (Hebrews 4:16).
- We are joint-heirs with Christ. All of God’s promises and blessings now apply to us as His children (Romans 8:17).
- We receive discipline from a loving Father. God disciplines us for our good to help us grow in maturity (Hebrews 12:5-11).
- We gain a worldwide family. All believers in Christ are our brothers and sisters (Romans 12:5).
These benefits are life-changing. As adopted children of God, we have purpose, identity, security, guidance, and so much more. God is an amazing Father!
Growing in Maturity as God’s Child
Even though we have been fully adopted into God’s family, He still wants us to grow and mature as His children. Just like a good earthly parent, God does not want us to remain spiritual infants. Here are some keys to growing in maturity:
- Reading the Bible regularly to learn about God and His ways
- Talking to God daily through prayer
- Fellowshipping and worshiping with other believers
- Using our spiritual gifts to serve God and others
- Sharing our faith and making disciples
The more we engage in these spiritual disciplines, the more we will grow and take on the family resemblance of our Heavenly Father. We may stumble at times, but our Father is patient and loving. He will pick us up, forgive us, and continue transforming us to be more like Jesus (Romans 8:29).
Being adopted into God’s family truly is an amazing gift of grace through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. We could never earn or deserve this privilege, but God has freely given it to all who put their faith in His Son.
Let us rejoice in this gift daily and seek to grow as faithful children of our gracious Father!
New Life through Jesus’ Resurrection
Victory over Death
The resurrection of Jesus Christ represents a significant and influential victory over death itself. When Jesus rose from the grave after being crucified, it defied the expectation that death was a final end, demonstrating Jesus possessed power within Himself to conquer humanity’s greatest enemy.
This astounding supernatural event gives believers hope that physical death in this life does not have to be the cessation of existence.
Jesus said of His own life, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again” (John 10:18). His resurrection points to His authority and power over death, and affirms His prior claims to divine sonship and oneness with the Father (John 10:30).
The historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection is quite strong, with several compelling facts agreed upon by the majority of scholars. Among these are the discovery of Jesus’ empty tomb by women followers, His post-crucifixion appearances to both individuals and groups of disciples, and the radical transformations of Jesus’ frightened and despairing disciples into courageous proclaimers of His resurrection (see The Resurrection of Jesus by William Lane Craig).
Jesus’ victory over death affirms His divinity and Lordship, brings assurance of an afterlife to believers, and motivates Christ’s followers to spread the amazing news of redemption through Christ worldwide. The resurrection provides tangible proof that death does not have the final say.
Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples He would send the Holy Spirit to indwell those who believe in Him (John 14:16-17). As Christ ascended into heaven, He instructed the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5).
On the Day of Pentecost, just 10 days later, the Holy Spirit was first poured out upon Jesus’ followers, empowering them to boldly preach the gospel with conviction (Acts 2:1-4).
The indwelling presence of God’s Spirit within each believer in Christ is a direct outcome and provision flowing from Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus had to die, resurrect and ascend for the Holy Spirit to be given in this way (John 16:7).
The Holy Spirit seals believers in Christ (Ephesians 1:13), guides them into truth (John 16:13), produces spiritual fruit within them (Galatians 5:22-23), and gifts them for ministry (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
He also assures believers of their adoption as God’s children (Romans 8:15-16) and prays for them according to God’s will (Romans 8:26-27).
This personal presence of the Holy Spirit serves as the guarantee and downpayment of the full inheritance awaiting believers in heaven (Ephesians 1:14). He fosters intimate relationship between God and those He indwells.
The Spirit’s presence brings new spiritual life, transforming believers’ minds and hearts to align more closely with Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Jesus continues the work He began during His earthly ministry by actively indwelling and empowering His people through the Spirit.
Promise of Eternal Life
Heaven Awaits
The promise of eternal life is the incredible gift that Jesus Christ offers to all who believe in Him. When we put our faith in Christ, we can be assured that death is not the end, but rather the beginning of our life in heaven with Him for all eternity (John 3:16).
What an amazing hope we have as Christians!
The Bible describes heaven as a place of indescribable beauty and perfection (Revelation 21:4). There will be no more tears, pain, sorrow or suffering there. We will live in God’s presence, surrounded by unfathomable peace and unspeakable joy.
Our relationships with other believers will be rich, meaningful and loving. We will worship God together and serve Him in ways we cannot fully fathom now.
Heaven is promised to all who trust in Jesus’ sacrifice for their sins. By His grace alone, through faith alone, He makes us righteous before God and grants us eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-9). This free gift is available to all, but must be received personally by repentance and faith.
Our Glorious Inheritance
The Bible says that as believers, we are co-heirs with Christ and have an amazing inheritance awaiting us (Romans 8:17). God has prepared incredible blessings in heaven beyond what we can imagine!
- We will have new resurrection bodies, free from sickness, pain and death (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
- We will enjoy meaningful relationships with loved ones in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
- We will reign with Christ and share in His authority and power (2 Timothy 2:12).
- We will serve God in wonderful ways suited to our gifts and passions (Revelation 22:3).
- We will grow continually in our understanding of God’s grace and majesty (Ephesians 2:7).
The blessings of heaven are eternal, satisfying and beyond comparison (1 Corinthians 2:9). As adopted children of God (Romans 8:15), we can look forward to an inheritance specially prepared for us, not because of anything we have done but because of God’s amazing grace.
What an encouragement it is to know that the struggles of this life are temporary and insignficant compared to the eternal glory and joy that awaits all who put their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. He is faithful and will surely fulfill His promise of eternal life to all who believe.
Conclusion
Jesus’ sacrifice provides the ultimate demonstration of God’s grace and mercy. As our Redeemer, Jesus sets us free from bondage to sin, grants salvation to all who believe, gives us new life in him, and the promise of spending eternity as beloved children of God.
This magnificent gift is available to all – receive it today by putting your faith in Christ.
