Ransom – Part 2
In the first part of this study we talked about how our lives are similar to that of the characters in the ransom movies. One thing you will never see in these films is the hostage returning to the kidnappers after being released. Why? Because the purpose of the film is to release the hostage from captivity.
However, there are people who after being rescued from a life of sin, decide to return back to their bondage; after being rescued by Jesus they voluntarily return to the condition from which they were saved. We are not suggesting that believers don’t sin, because in one way or another we all sin (1 John 1:8). Rather, we refer to those who decide to practice sin (make sin their lifestyle), after having been redeemed by Christ (1 John 3:8).
In the first part of this study we also talk about the implications of salvation.
- Without salvation we were destined to an eternity separated from God.
- Without salvation we were destined to suffer the consequences of sin.
These are the consequences of sin. But salvation entails:
- Deliverance from sin – which brings us death and separates us from God
- Freedom from the condemnation resulting from sin
- Freedom to come close to God – the opportunity to restore our relationship with our Creator
- Freedom to walk in righteousness – living a life of gratitude for our salvation
- Eternal life – the opportunity to be forever with the giver of life
The most important point of our salvation is the deliverance from sin (item # 1). Only through salvation through Christ we can obtain the benefits of items 2 – 5. But how are we to return to practice sinning (through a conscious and voluntary decision) and still pretend to obtain the benefits of salvation?
Salvation frees us from condemnation (item # 2), but only if we abide in Christ and live according to the direction of the Holy Spirit’s. The Bible is emphatic about this.
Are we to continue in sin…? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? … We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. – Romans 6:1-4
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus who walk not according to the flesh (but according to the Spirit). – Romans 8:1
For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. – Hebrews 10:26-27
how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? – Hebrews 2:3
… If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. – John 15:5-6
There is nothing we can do for our salvation except to receive and abide in Christ. But, abiding in Christ entails an active faith that reacts to the love we receive from God.
It is clear that God’s purpose of to rescue us (Mark 10:45). But if we don’t abide in Him we risk living a useless religion, and Jesus telling us that he never knew us.
And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. – Matthew 7:23
It is not the purpose of this study to criticize anyone, but that all of us become conscious of the danger of sin.
let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. – James 5:20
Enjoy the freedom that Christ won for you.
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