Redeeming the time

Redemption is an old idea. Today it’s used mainly in reference to the exchange of things such as pledges, frequent flyer miles, and mortgages—for money, free trips, or property. But redemption has a much more profound meaning as a buyback or ransom when we think of it in terms of people—as a person reborn, reclaimed from a life of sickness or slavery or crime. 

Redemption is also associated by people the world over with Christ Jesus, especially at the Easter season. In fact, for centuries, Jesus has been called mankind’s Redeemer and “the Son of man,” who gave “his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). This is the case not only because of his sinless life of love and healing works, freeing so many from suffering, but particularly because of his supreme sacrifice in enduring the crucifixion. His triumphant resurrection three days later meant that he had fully overcome both death and the evils that caused it.

Some believe that through this sacrificial experience, Jesus forever bought humanity’s freedom from sin. Yet, clearly sin didn’t go away—sin, the great impediment to good, to happiness, peace, health, progress, and life. But Jesus did bring to light, and demonstrated completely, the means by which we can all gain the freedom we seek. This freedom began then, and still does, with a change in thought—a reorientation to God and away from matter and self. He said, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17), and “Behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). And Jesus provided abundant proof of the redeeming power of Christ in the numberless healings he brought about through prayer.