Eternal Security and Redemption through Christ
Grace Nordstrom Box#407
Professor Ashley
Christian Doctrine
15 October 2014
Word Count: 1200

Eternal Security and Redemption through Christ For those who are in Christ, they are a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come! (2 Cor. 5:17). This well known verse tells of one of the greatest promises for those who belong to Christ Jesus. For many Christians, frustration builds when they feel as if they can’t overcome sinful habits. They long to live holy lives free from sin, but often times, feel burdened by all parts of their lives that are still not pleasing to God. It seems that Satan takes pride in using past failures and present struggles to condemn followers of Christ and to keep them from living in the complete freedom they received when placing their faith in Christ. So then, what truths can tired Christians find hope in, and what are the eternal blessings that make the fight worth it? One finds freedom from sin and finds motivation to follow Christ when they discover what it is to be redeemed and the priceless inheritance that awaits them in heaven. So then, what is it to be truly redeemed? Theologian Wayne Grudem defines redemption as, “Christ’s saving work viewed as an act of ‘buying back’ sinners out of their bondage to sin and to Satan through the payment of a ransom” (Grudem 1253). More simply, redemption is defined as “deliverance from some evil by payment of a price” (New Bible Dictionary 1003). Through history, redemption has most often been understood in the context of buying back slaves or property (Elwell 918). In the Old Testament, the term redemption is used in such times as when God brings the Israelites out of Egypt (Exod. 6:6), when referring to Ruth’s Kinsman redeemer, Boaz (Ruth 4:1-12), and when God’s people are in captivity in Babylon (Jer. 31:11). A Christian understands redemption as they choose to be set free from their sin and place their hope in God’s promises. This hope brings about peace and a transformed life. It is easier to work hard when the end is in sight, and laborers have their eyes set on the reward in store for them at the finish line. The best part of this reward for Christians is the eternal security that they find in Christ. This eternal security is explained throughout scripture and includes but is not limited to the following promised blessings. First is the promise of the forgiveness of sins. When someone prays to receive Christ as their Savior they can be sure of their salvation. After all of his suffering on the cross, Jesus breathed his last breath and said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Not only did Jesus suffer through the physical pain of being crucified, he also bore the weight of the world’s sin. The sinless, spotless lamb, poured out his life as a ransom for many (Isa. 53:11), and defeated sin and death for all time. The prophet Isaiah understood and looked forward to God’s coming salvation. He provides this visual for God’s people: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Pslm. 103:12). This is why the salvation that God offers brings freedom. All fear, striving, guilt and shame is lifted when one understand that God has forgiven all of their sins- past, present and future. Many wonder then, why do I still sin, then? And why can’t I overcome this sinful habit that is of my old nature? The apostle Paul explains this struggle in his letter to the Romans: So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Rom. 7:21-25)

Paul is saying that followers of Christ will