SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 15-09-2019

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY “David’s Deception and Rejection”: David made a hasty decision to flee to the land of the Philistines in the face of a real and unrelenting threat to his life. He did not consult God and forgot the program of God for his life. When faced with troubles, we should not forget God or make rash conclusions. Rather, we should pray in faith for divine intervention. David deceived Achish. We should guard against deception, regardless of the reason because it displeases God and can take one to hell if not repented of.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 760: REDEMPTION THROUGH CHRIST MEMORY VERSE: …… “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sin” (Colossians 1:13,14). TEXT: Colossians 1:11-21

INTRODUCTION Paul gave thanks to God for the gracious lifestyle of the Colossian believers and interceded for them. He enlightened them of the transforming power of the gospel and the redemption through Christ’s sacrifice. Redemption means to “purchase”, “deliver” or “ransom”. Every unconverted person is a slave to sin and will be damned if unredeemed. It is only through cleansing in the blood of Jesus Christ that such a person can be redeemed. QUESTION 1a: What is redemption? – Col. 1:13,14; I Corinth. 6:20. QUESTION 1b: Why does everyone need it? – Rom. 3:23; John 8:34.

THE BASIS AND MEANS OF OUR REDEMPTION Colossians 1:11-14; John 8:34 The need for redemption is enslavement to sin and Satan. Man is captive and servant to sin. Christ’s blood is the only means of redemption. “Being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him”. Through repentance, forgiveness and cleansing by the blood, believers are delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of Christ. QUESTION 2: Why is redemption of mankind impossible without Christ’s blood? – Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22; Acts 4:12.

THE PRE-EMINENCE OF OUR REDEEMER Colossians 1:15-19; Hebrews 1:1-5 The Lord Jesus Christ is our Redeemer. He is the Son and the express image of the Invisible God. He was in existence before all things on earth and in heaven were made. He is the Creator of all things. He is the Head of the Church. He is the firstborn from the dead who resurrected. He is pre-eminent because all the fullness of God reside in Him bodily. He is the Mediator who made peace between God and man. QUESTION 3: Mention some features of our Redeemer that stand Him out as preeminent – Colossians 1:15,17,18; 2:9; Hebrews 1:1,2.

THE BENEFITS OF REDEMPTION THROUGH CHRIST Colossians 1:20 Redemption through Christ affords sinners the privilege of reconciliation with God. Believers enjoy divine protection, preservation, victory over satanic forces and better blessings by the atoning blood of Christ. Moreover, it grants the redeemed access to God’s presence to commune with Him. QUESTION 4: Mention some benefits of redemption through Christ’s blood – Colossians 1:20; Ephesians 2:13,14; Revelation 12:11.

CONCLUSION Every unconverted person is a slave to sin and urgently needs rescue. The Lord Jesus Christ shed his blood to redeem all mankind. One becomes a beneficiary of Christ’s redemption through repentance, forgiveness and cleansing by His blood. As believers, we enjoy His divine protection, daily victory over satanic forces and access to God’s presence. However, we must abide in these benefits of redemption, pray and watch till the end to get to heaven.