Redemption noun

the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt.

Paul has laid out so far in Romans 1-3 that we have a debt to pay, and it is impossible to pay. Maybe something similar to coming out of college and post-grad work with $250,000 in debt, and you get a $10/hr job...and live in NYC. Impossible! The only hope is in redemption, an exchange, clearing, and forgiving of the debt we carry. 

Paul takes us on this journey and takes us to Jesus, our hope, our redeemer, and our savior. But, before he dives in, he throws out this fascinating verse;

“But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭3:21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Wow, such a cool discovery this morning! Paul is making it clear and known that the Old Testament revealed Christ and pointed to Jesus. This would of been a massive awakening to the Jews. I thought this verse was awesome. Anyway, back on track. 

Paul drives his point home one more time;

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” -‭‭Romans‬ ‭3:23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The debt is too much for us to carry. But, here is the turn. Here is the redeemer that has come to clear our debt.

“and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” - Romans‬ ‭3:24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Gospel, the good news of Jesus and his grace that brings righteousness. His Grace makes us right with God! And, to push this further, Paul brings in some Old Testament connections here with the sacrifice of atonement and the shedding of blood. But it, not the animals being sacrificed, God presented his one and only Son, Jesus - The Christ. 

“God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭3:25-26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The atmosphere and weight of Romans just shifted. Jesus has been presented and our debt has been paid in full. A final thought here that I had this morning is in light of our current political environment. Last night was the Iowa caucus, and the democrats are working towards a candidate to run against Trump. I will not take this into those political land minds, but let me take us to the passion many young Americans have around free college, and debt forgiveness for college loans. This is a super hot topic, and as I read today this is ultimately redemption. A massive group of Americans are calling out and standing for a candidate that they believe will bring them redemption, and forgiveness of a debt. Deep down, in their hearts and conscience they understand the law (remember our verse yesterday)

“They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)” - ‭‭Romans‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Christ and the Gospel is the only solution for true redemption. America may be rallying around a political candidate, praying for a new solution, a path forward and needing redemption...but the true atonement that is needed is the grace that is only offered by Jesus, the Christ.