The Cross as the Ultimate Act of Redemption

Mar 19

While the weight of sin mars our lives and separates us from God, it's through the cross that we find our reconciliation with God. While we may feel irredeemable, no one is beyond the reach of Christ's redemption. Read how the power of the cross brings beauty from brokenness and hope from despair.

Why the Cross Matters

Redemption, as a secular term, is to secure the release or recovery of persons or things by paying a price. However, in Christianity, redemption refers to the act of being saved through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Before we explore the implications of Jesus’ sacrifice, let’s consider why it’s significant based on what came before Him.

Redemption finds its roots in the Old Testament, where the promise of a Savior and Redeemer is woven throughout. From the moment humanity fell into sin in the Garden of Eden, God began unfolding His plan of redemption, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice that would be fulfilled through Jesus.

The Old Testament vividly portrays humanity’s need for redemption as sin and brokenness mar the relationship between God and His people. Yet, amidst the darkness, there are glimpses of hope and promise. We see redemption exemplified in stories such as:

Joseph: Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, is later elevated to a position of power in Egypt, ultimately saving his family and reconciling with them (Genesis 37-50).
The Exodus: God redeems the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, leading them through the Red Sea and into the Promised Land (Exodus 1-15).
Ruth: Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer to Ruth and Naomi, marrying Ruth and providing for her and Naomi (Ruth 2-4).
The Salvation of Nineveh: God shows mercy to the city of Nineveh, sparing it from destruction after it repents at Jonah’s preaching (Jonah 3).
The Promise of the Messiah: Throughout the Old Testament, prophecies foretell the coming of a Messiah who will redeem humanity from sin and restore the relationship between God and humanity (Isaiah 53).

God’s deliverance and salvation in these and other Old Testament stories foreshadow the ultimate redemption to come through the Messiah. Our Savior’s’ death on the cross was not a tragic accident but a deliberate sacrifice orchestrated by God for our salvation. From the moment of His birth, Jesus’ life was marked by the singular mission to save the lost (Luke 19:10) by offering Himself as a ransom (Mark 10:45).

As He prepared for crucifixion in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus wrestled with the agony of His impending death and begged God to take the cup from Him (Luke 22:42). Jesus was plagued by the weight of our sin on His shoulders. However, despite His fears, Jesus willingly submitted to His Father’s will for the sake of our salvation (Romans 5:8).

Through His blood shed on the cross, Jesus paid the penalty of sin and satisfied the demands of divine justice, reconciling humanity to God. He triumphed over sin, death, and eternal darkness, and it’s through His resurrection from the grave that Jesus secured redemption for all who believe in Him.

The Apostle Paul declared Christ’s victory in 1 Corinthians 15:55, “Where, O’ death, is your victory? Where, O’ death, is your sting?”

Let’s explore a few ways this transformative power of Christ’s ultimate act of redemption can heal, restore, and renew us from the inside out.

1) Second Chances

While vacationing in Denver once, I returned to my hotel room after a hike to discover that my backpack had been stolen. It contained my laptop, headphones, medicine, and several other valuables. After notifying the hotel staff about the incident, we eventually learned that a rogue employee had stolen the hotel’s master key and broken into several rooms, mine included.

As I processed the information, I felt a weight of conviction about the situation. I called the hotel manager and told him, “Please, don’t fire this person. I know they messed up, but I believe in a God who offers second, third, fourth, and fifth chances; A God who forgives us when we make mistakes, and this person clearly made a mistake.”

I have to admit, I feel pretty pious for sharing that story. Let me be clear: I don’t share that to proclaim some religious superiority because that wasn’t my emotion at the moment. Truthfully, I was angry. However, God was teaching me a lesson about how He views us.

I’ve made my fair share of mistakes in life. Yet, every time, I find myself stumbling back to God and asking Him to correct my rebellion. Without fail, He provides another chance.

“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15

Throughout Scripture, we see people offered second chances (as well as third, fourth, fifth, ad nauseam). God’s redemption is so deep that it extends beyond second chances into grace, which is the unmerited favor and forgiveness extended to us by God. Despite our shortcomings, failures, and mistakes, it’s because of Jesus’ sacrifice that God freely offers us the opportunity for reconciliation with Him.

We cannot earn God’s grace. No matter how hard we strive or whatever pious stories we share, nothing can merit that gift. Yet, God, in His infinite mercy, invites us into the renewal and transformation of His presence.

Although second chances aren’t to be abused (Romans 6:1-4), they remind us how the cross demonstrates our deep need to be saved. His redemption reminds us that our identity is not defined by our past mistakes but by our relationship with God.

2) Forgiveness

“In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 1:7

Let’s start by acknowledging that forgiveness might be one of the most challenging actions in our fallen humanity.

Think about a time someone wronged you. Forgiveness wasn’t likely to be your go-to heart posture. Yet, Scripture reveals that forgiveness is at the heart of Christianity.

As Jesus hung on the cross, bearing the weight of our sins, He uttered, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). In that moment, Jesus not only modeled forgiveness but also secured it for all who would believe in Him. Jesus offers us the gift of forgiveness that knows no bounds and extends to the deepest depths of our brokenness through His sacrificial death and resurrection. It’s through this gift that we experience what forgiveness is unto, which is a right relationship with God.

While we may find it difficult to forgive our brothers and sisters for how they harm us, there is no relationship with God until we’ve repented. To restore that relationship, we must confess how we’ve strayed from God and align our hearts with His purposes. Repentance and the preceding forgiveness are the catalysts for spiritual renewal and transformation. When we repent, we participate in God’s work of reconciliation that He initiated through Christ’s sacrifice.

In the shadow of the cross, we find the assurance that our sins are no longer held against us but are washed away by the blood of Jesus. He paid the price for our sins and offered us reconciliation. No sin is too great or mistake too grave because the forgiveness that flows from the cross is infinite and unconditional.

Our redemption through the cross also reminds us of our call to extend forgiveness to others. Just as the cross opened the door to reconciliation between humanity and God, our willingness to forgive others creates opportunities for healing and reconciliation, not only within our relationships but also within ourselves.

By extending grace and mercy to those who have wronged us, we demonstrate the transformative power of love and contribute to restoring trust and harmony in our communities and families. This spiritual renewal empowers us to live lives marked by love, compassion, and humility as we seek to embody the values of God’s kingdom.

3) Renewal

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Sin separates us from God. A Holy God cannot interact with the fallenness of this world without atonement. But in His glory, and because we’ve been made in His image, God still desires a relationship with us. Before Christ, a blood sacrifice had to be shed to account for our sins.

However, in an unconditional display of love, God provided His own sacrifice to reconcile our broken relationship with Him. The cross bridges the gap that sin created, enabling us to approach God with confidence and assurance (2 Corinthians 5:19).

Through our union with Christ, we are made anew. As the power of sin and death is broken, we are filled with the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live lives marked by love, joy, and peace. This renewal isn’t merely superficial but penetrates the core of our being and leads to a transformation of character and a renewed purpose.

Death wasn’t the end but the beginning of a new chapter in God’s redemptive plan. The cross reminds us that no matter how broken we may feel, there is always the opportunity for restoration in Christ. His resurrection offers the chance to leave our old ways behind and embrace the fullness of life that comes from walking with Him.

We’re invited to lay our burdens at the foot of the cross to allow God’s spirit to transform us. The redemptive power of the cross gives us the strength to let go of past hurts and failures.

”I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

The cross should ignite a passion for God and His Kingdom. Redemption is the catalyst for revival when individuals and communities respond to God’s transformative power. Only then can vitality be restored as we experience the fruits of repentance, confession, and the renewal of our faith.

How To Experience Redemption in Your Life

Sin restricts God’s intended fullness of our lives. However, the cross reminds us that redemption is available to everyone; No exceptions. There is nothing you can do to separate yourself from Christ. Regardless of how vile you feel or how monstrous society may mark you, your Creator offers you redemption.

Embracing Jesus’ sacrifice begins with a willingness to open our hearts to the transformative power of God’s love. There are four essential steps we take to encounter God’s redemption.

Confession: Allow God to search our hearts and acknowledge mistakes. (Romans 3:23-24)
Repentance: Turn away from harmful behaviors and align with God’s purposes. (Acts 3:19)
Spiritual Disciplines: Cultivate a deeper relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, and Gospel-centered community.
Sanctification: Allow God to transform and renew your heart according to His will. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

While the cross carries the stains of our Savior’s blood, the grave that held Him is no longer filled. Through redemption, God transforms our brokenness into beauty, our ashes into joy, and our despair into hope, inviting us to embrace our true identity as cherished members of His family.

Do not lose hope; no one is too far gone for Christ’s redemption.

TL;DR:

From the Old Testament to the New, explore how the concept of redemption is woven throughout biblical narratives.
Discover the profound impact of Christ's sacrifice on our ability to forgive and experience renewal, extending grace to others as we've received from God.
Through Christ, find freedom from the bondage of sin, experiencing a profound renewal that transforms our character and purpose.
Confession, repentance, spiritual disciplines, and sanctification pave the way for encountering God's redeeming love in our lives.
No one is beyond the reach of Christ's redemption—discover the power of the cross to bring beauty from brokenness and hope from despair.

Related Reading

The Two Sides of the Crucifixion by Bro. Chris Carter

Answering the Questions of Jesus’ Resurrection by Rev. Paul Lawler

How to Forgive Those Who’ve Hurt You by Rev. Paul Lawler

Day One: A Spiritual Journey to Renewal by Lance Ingram