"Redeemed - How I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb; Redeemed thro' His infinite mercy, His child and forever, I am. Redeemed ... Redeemed ... Redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb; Redeemed . . . Redeemed . . . His Child, and forever, I am."

Such are the words of the first verse and chorus of the beloved song, by Fanny J. Crosby. They beautifully express the feelings of one duly impressed by the marvelous sacrifice of Jesus.

Because of sin, the whole human race deserved to be eternally separated from God. Man had literally sold his eternal soul for a few fleeting pleasures of this life. But wait, behold the grace of God! With his life, Jesus paid the ransom, the fine and Divine Justice was satisfied.

Hear the Scriptures as they speak of this remarkable event:

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; For he hath visited and redeemed his people (Luke 1:68).

For there is one God, and One Mediator between God and men the man Christ Jesus; who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time (1 Tim. 2:5-6).

Who (Jesus) gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:14).

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb with blemish and without spot (1 Pet. 1:18-19).

. . . for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by the blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation (Rev. 5:9).

Yes, Jesus paid the price! He died to give one and all the opportunity of having eternal life with God. However, we must add at once that this was not universal and unconditional salvation. Truly, God wants to be at peace with man. God wants man to be reconciled to Him. God longs to forgive man, but man must desire and seek after this peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness! In allowing Jesus to die for you, God has shown his infinite love. What has your reaction been? Have you with humility, gratitude and joy, accepted the sacrifice of Jesus and demonstrated your sincere appreciation by complete obedience to the Gospel! My friend, anything short of such obedience is an outrageous insult to God. Jehovah is offering life eternal! All who reject it are scoffing at God and "walking on the grave" of Jesus.

Also the writer of the Hebrew letter tells us that a person who has become a Christian and then turns away, has nothing to look forward to but "judgment and fiery indignation. " He explains that all, such as turn away, have trodden under foot the Son of God, counted the blood of the covenant an unholy thing and outraged the Holy Spirit.

Redemption is in Christ (Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7) and we get into Christ by baptism (Gal. 3:27). Why would anyone hesitate? "The Lord redeemeth the soul of His servants; and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate" (Psa. 34:22).

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 19, p. 597
October 1, 1987