THE REDEMPTION
Being justified freely by his grace through THE REDEMPTION that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24.
This verse informs us that none can be justified (rendered just), except those whose sins are paid for in Christ’s redemption. Therefore, we know that not one person in hell was included in the atonement. For how could the Father be just in exacting payment twice by having both his Son to die and the sinner go to eternal punishment for the same sins? And what of the multitudes already in hell before Jesus’ death? No nation but Israel was elected by the Father (Amos 3:1,2). And no provision was made to keep individuals in Israel out of hell except THE REDEMPTION in Christ (Romans 3:25). It would do us well to stop our ears to the “wide gate-broad way” solutions which are disassociated from THE REDEMPTION, and strive to enter in by the “narrow way-straight gate” provision in Christ’s definite atonement!
For whom did Jesus himself understand he was to die? He had a very definite concept of his redemptive purpose. In John 17:2 in his prayer to his father, he stated that he had not only been given “power over all flesh“. That is, he is in authority over all men everywhere, alive or dead! But he also understood that he was enabled to “give eternal life to as many as thou (the Father) hast given him (the Son).” Think of this verse! It not only says Jesus is sovereign over all flesh (which he also proclaimed in Matthew 28:18 as the basis for his commission), but it also states that he understood the benefit of his death to be only for those given him by his Father!
And he states in verse nine of this same passage that he would not pray for the world, but would only intercede “for them which thou (his Father) hast given me; for they are thine.” He is saying that he clearly understands that his redemption and his intercession were to be effectual for those whom the Father had chosen “in him before the foundation of the world.” (Ephesians 1:4). While Jesus commanded the gospel be preached to every creature, he knew that none would savingly respond to it but those sent to him by the Father. “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:36). “No man CAN COME TO ME, EXCEPT THE Father which hath sent me draw him:…” (John 6:44). This is why he stated to the religious hypocrites, “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” (John 5:40).
Do you have an interest in THE REDEMPTION? Seek ye the Lord while he may be found.
Bro. Gene Breed
October 5, 1988
