May 15

Christ hath redeemed us. Galatians 3:13.

The Second Article of our Christian Creed treats of redemption. Already in the heading of the Second Article, as also in many passages of Holy Writ, the work of our Lord Jesus Christ is called "redemption." For this purpose did the Son of God assume the human nature: to redeem and save sinful mankind. "The Son of Man is come to save that which was lost."

This our redemption through Christ and its blessed fruit are summed up in the explanation of the Second Article: "I believe that Jesus Christ is my Lord." Why is Jesus Christ here called our Lord? Not only because of His eternal divinity, but also because of His humanity, yea, chiefly and with emphasis because of His true human nature and His human name "Jesus" is the Messiah in the Scriptures called our "Lord," — and that for the sake of our redemption. Yea, because He has redeemed us, purchased and won us with His holy, precious blood, therefore He now is our Lord, therefore we now are His own and live under Him in His kingdom. Who was our lord by nature without Christ? No one else than the prince of this world, the devil. It is he who, after the Fall, has brought all mankind into his kingdom and power, so that all men are by nature, by their natural birth, the subjects and prisoners of Satan. And therein consists the work of redemption through Christ, that He has bruised the head of the Serpent, that He has destroyed the works of the devil. The devil, therefore, is no longer our lord, — for he has been conquered and subdued, and our captivity is led captive, — but now Christ is our Lord, unto whom all power is given in heaven and in earth. As Lord over all He now sits at the right hand of God and rules with divine power and majesty in His kingdom, and especially does He govern and protect His Church, of which He is the Head. Through faith we are His own and citizens in His kingdom, blessed children of God. Our Redeemer is our Lord.

Prayer.

O Lord Jesus Christ, as of old Thou didst manifest Thyself as the Son of God and Redeemer of the whole world, so even now Thou causest to be made known in all places the glad tidings of our redemption. As there is salvation in none other except in Thee, we beseech Thee, grant us Thy Holy Spirit to witness of

Thee, that we may know Thee to be our only Savior and in true faith yield our hearts to Thee and praise Thee for Thy goodness all our days. We come to Thee with a trusting heart. Thou art our only Hope and Refuge. Hear us, Lord Jesus! Amen.

Nay, too closely am I bound

Unto Him by hope forever;

Faith's strong hand the Rock hath found,

Grasped it, and will leave it never,

Not the ban of death can part

From its Lord the trusting heart.