Volume 29 Issue 4
A publication of Focus Evangelistic Ministries, Inc
Winter 2019/20
THE COMMUNICATOR
Focus Evangelistic Ministries, Inc. PO Box 498 Danielsville, GA 30633
Real Redemption
What does it mean to be redeemed? The word redeem usually means to make amends for wrong behavior, or to do something to make up for a failed attempt. It can also mean to obtain something that was lost. But what does redemption mean in the Bible?
We Need Redemption
When sin entered the world through Eve, death came also. Death means separation; it’s a barrier between us and God. Before sinning, Adam and Eve had communion with God. After they sinned, there was a separation. They needed redemption, and so do we, since we too are sinners. Without redemption, we will stay separated from God forever. Since eternal life is at stake, redemption is our greatest need!
Many People Misunderstand Redemption
Redemption is often confused. An athlete who failed might say, “I need another opportunity to try to redeem myself.” We might call this athletic redemption. In the same way, a sinner may say, ”I really blew it, but I need God to give me a second chance.” But this idea of redemption through human performance is not the kind of spiritual redemption found in the Bible. Sadly, this popular view of spiritual redemption is not only accepted, it is even glorified in Christian terminology. The Lord is often called the “God of a Second Chance” and credited for allowing someone to “get it right” the second time around to win redemption. While God certainly gives second chances, our redemption from sin is not obtained by a comeback performance.
A Sinner could be given a thousand chances but moral success is not what God said would save sinners. We cannot redeem ourselves by trying harder, finally being successful, or by doing something to make up for prior failures. This idea has been tolerated often by spiritual leaders simply because it motivates people to try to be good. But this is bad theology, and untrue. Religion is full of those mistaken ideas, but the Bible says:
”Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…” – Titus 3:5
Do you see the difference? Look at these two statements:
A. “I was a sinner, but I finally got right with God and got saved.”
B. “I am a sinner saved by God’s grace.”
Do they mean the same thing? Of course not. One is works; the other is grace. One glorifies man; the other glorifies God. One is religion; the other is Bible.
Three Words Define Spiritual Redemption
The New Testament uses three Greek words to describe redemption. Here are those words:
1. Agarazo – “to purchase in the market.”
2. Exagarazo – “to buy out of the market.”
3. Lutroo – “to loose, by paying the price.”
The Picture of Redemption
Get the picture. We were slaves to sin, and under penalty of death. The price on our heads was nothing more than death, nothing less than death, and nothing else but death. To be clear: The price of our redemption was not for us to be sorry that we were sinners; it was not tears or remorse. The price for redemption was not self effort, trying harder, or doing better. The price to be paid was death. Our price was not deeds. It was death.
Into the marketplace of our slavery stepped Jesus Christ. He bid His body and blood on the cross at Calvary. His payment was accepted as we were bought out of the market. We were taken out of the circumstance of our slavery and loosed outside of the marketplace of sin. Our new position is with God, on the grounds of grace. It is for forever.
The Impossibility of Redeeming Ourselves
What is so wrong with encouraging unsaved sinners to behave? Isn’t obedience a good thing?
Picture this. A large organization with unlimited funds is going to give away a large amount of money in a sweepstakes event. Anyone can register, it costs nothing to enter, and the winner will be drawn from all entrants. But a friend told you that baking cookies was the way that you could really win the giveaway. You were told that those sweepstakes managers really like cookies! So rather than sending in your entry form, you bake your best cookies ever. Will you win? Was your friend truthful to you?
Redemption is By Grace, Through Believing in Jesus
The way out of our slave condition is by God’s grace. We are given something that we could never win for ourselves. We had no ability to redeem ourselves, but Jesus won the game for us. Redemption is by grace, but as long as sinners are trying to save themselves, they won’t understand the need for God’s grace.
There are confusing ideas about spiritual redemption, but the Bible speaks clearly about it:
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” – Romans 3:24
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” – Ephesians 1:7
“Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” – Hebrews 9:12
“To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” – Romans 3:26
In these times of upheaval, there is no better news than the truth of redemption. No wonder the Bible tells the redeemed of the Lord to tell the world about it.
F.E.M.I. is a non-profit organization. All gifts are tax deductible. Freddie is supported through the financial support of churches and families who love him and believe in the ministry that God has entrusted to him. All bookings are handled through the ministry office on a first come basis. Freddie does not charge a fee for his speaking ministries but trusts the Lord’s people to care for and support him.
Gifts or Contact by mail: FEMI PO Box 498 Danielsville GA 30633 Phone: 762-218-3060
Questions and Answers in a Pandemic
TC: Where were you, Freddie, when the Coronavirus shutdown occured?
FC: We were with Pastor Wally Morillo in Texas. We finished our time with the good folks in South Texas and headed for home after the rest of our trip got cancelled.
TC: How has the Coronavirus affected F.E.M.I.?
FC: We haven’t travelled as much, but have been busier than ever. We started our radio show. We started podcasting “Focus On The Bible.” We also started our Youtube channel. We’ve done lots of ministry and tried to roll with the times.
TC: Have you and your family been healthy?
FC: Yes, we remain healthy and haven’t had the virus. We try to be careful, but the Lord is good, even if we get it. We can’t let the cure be worse than the virus. God didn’t make us for shutdowns and isolation.
TC: Have you lost financial support?
FC: Yes, we have lost some financial support. More than giving, we know many people pray for us and encourage us. We’re blessed and are trusting the Lord for the future, including finances.
TC: What about summer camps at Grace Farm?
FC: We did day camp events and had great times!
Historically speaking…
Was America founded as a Christian Nation? Without question, yes.
“The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.”1 – John Quincy Adams, 6th U.S. President
The state of Georgia was settled by persecuted Christians and poor people looking for economic and spiritual freedom. Upon landing, settlers bowed on their knees and declared:
“Our end in leaving our native country is not to gain riches and honor, but singly this: to live wholly to the glory of God.”2
1. William J. Federer, America’s God and Country (Coppel: Fame Publishing Co. 1994), 18.
2. Federer, 259
Donating to our Ministry is Easy!
Thank you for your support of Focus Evangelistic Ministries! We operate by faith and
are grateful to our supporters for blessing us. We invite you to donate today.
Going for the Gospel!
