A man was deeply discouraged, even to the point of death.

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

He wandered restlessly one evening along a city street then wearily sat down beside a hedge. Two women were talking on the other side of the hedge about church and their pastor’s sermon. One said, “The pastor’s sermon gave me hope and encouragement.” The other asked, “What part?” The reply came, “The world always says you make your own bed, and you must lie in it, but one greater than the world has said, ‘Take up your bed and walk! Your sins are forgiven!’” The man’s heart leaped at those words of hope. He then called upon the sinner’s friend, Jesus, and was forgiven of his sin. And his life was changed! Today’s verse reminds us of the power of the cross! Our world may minimize the cross but let us never forget that God maximizes the cross. Let’s get a better appreciation of the cross’ meaning. “Redemption” means “redeem and set free by paying a price.” As a result, guilt no longer has a claim or a hold on the believer. The debt has been paid in full. The believer has been set free to live in righteousness and obedience to his Lord and Savior. “His Blood” does not refer to lowly animal blood but refers to Jesus’ personal sacrifice on the cross as payment for our redemption. No check of monetary value would suffice; the price for our redemption demanded the ultimate payment. Yes, our salvation requires a gruesome sacrifice…the sacrifice of the innocent Lamb of God. That is why Spurgeon’s motto for life consisted of the four words, “Christ died for me!” And He did! “Forgiveness” means “sending away” or “carried away” as in the sense the sin (trespass) debt has been discharged, sent away or released from our account, never again to be brought against us. Wiersbe writes, “No written accusation stands against us because our sins have been taken away. Sin made us poor, but grace makes us rich.” Perhaps the devil may visit you today; if so, wave the cross of Calvary at him! The devil is no match for the cross. The devil no longer owns us nor has any right to control us. Therefore, let us sing in triumph, “Oh, What a Savior! O hallelujah! His heart was broken on Calvary. His hands were nail scarred, His side was riven, He gave His life’s blood for even me.” Yes, what a Savior!!! Can you say “Amen?

Tom Swartzwelder was born again at the age of nine in an old-fashioned revival meeting. Tom received his B.A. from Tennessee Temple University and his M. Div from Luther Rice Seminary. He has pastored for nearly forty years in both bi-vocational and full-time roles. He provides practical how-to-do-ministry resources for the disciples of Jesus Christ at http://www.godsgreenhouse.net. Tom’s latest book is “God Speaks–Today!”

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash