12.16.2006

He Paid A Debt He Did Not Owe

I was doing a bit of preparation to teach our church's 1st thru 6th graders about the practical application that comes from our month's study of redemption. It wasn't difficult to find divine commentary on the practical outworkings of our redemption as I read several verses beyond the key verses our children were given during this study. For example:

Key Verse:
Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,”
Application:
Ephesians 4:1-3 "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. "

Key Verse:
Hebrews 9:12 “he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.”
Application:
Hebrews 10:19- 25 "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. "

Key Verse:
1 Peter 1:18-19 “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”
Application:
1 Peter 2:13-21 "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for your sake, who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

(emphasis mine)

We find this pattern often in Scripture (cf. Deuteronomy 7:6-11) - God tells us what He's done, then what He expects of us. We're given doctrinal truth, then practical application - or, as many like to say, "Doctrine and Devotion" or "Theology and Methodology".

Neat, huh?!

Oh, and I found this quote over at Monergism by Octavious Winslow

What shall we say of the ransom price? It was the richest, the costliest, that Heaven could give. He gave Himself for us! What more could He do? He gave Himself; body, soul and spirit. He gave His time, His labor, His blood, His life, His ALL, as the price for our ransom, the cost of our redemption. He carried the wood and reared the altar. Then, bearing His bosom to the stroke of the uplifted and descending arm of the Father, paid the price of our salvation in the warm lifeblood of His heart!"

And one more thing...anyone know what song the sheet music represents?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

That would be redeemed. The flats... there were a lot, but I struggled through to find the melody.

Aaron said...

DING! DING! DING!

You are correct Johnny!

There's actually a (IMHO) better arrangement that we like to use to sing this song.

I'll have to find some music and sent it to you.