February 22
Redemption
The Christian's Daily Treasury"Eternal redemption."—Hebrews 9:12.
IN these two words we have the grand theme of revelation, the mightiest work of God, and the best news to man. The priests under the law prefigured the Saviour; but he excels them in the dignity of his person, the purity of his nature, the perpetuity of his office, and the value of his sacrifice. Let us contemplate eternal redemption. Every new covenant blessing bears the mark of love.
THE BLESSING IT INCLUDES. The very term explains its meaning; it is deliverance from spiritual bondage, and an introduction into glorious liberty. Its full extent cannot be known till we unite with the redeemed in heaven, where its glories shall fill our minds with wonder, our hearts with love, and our tongues with praise.
THE SOURCE FROM WHENCE IT FLOWS. The streams of salvation issue from the fountain of Divine grace. The love of Christ prompted him to the work of human redemption. Every new covenant blessing bears the mark of love.
THE PRICE BY WHICH IT IS PROCURED. It was such a price that none but an Infinite Being could advance. Estimate its worth by this, and remember that the degradation to which the Saviour stooped, the scenes of suffering through which he passed, and the costly offering he made, were to procure eternal redemption.
THE GLORY IT DISPLAYS. It throws a bright lustre on all the Divine perfections, and makes the glory of each to centre in the cross, where mercy and truth meet together, and righteousness and peace embrace each other.
THE FREENESS BY WHICH IT IS DISTINGUISHED. O delightful fact, while there is here the brightest display of glory, there is the freest discovery of grace. "Liberty to the captive" is the Gospel proclamation.
THE OBLIGATION IT INVOLVES. If Christ has redeemed us, we must glorify him in our bodies and spirits, which are his. At every step let our language be, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Let us display more of the life and activity of godliness,—and remember that religion is not the dungeon air, but the mountain breeze; not the stagnant pool, but the running stream.