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The following blog is a summary of a message preached by Pastor Eddie Lawrence.

Watch the Sermon HERE!

Many believers know Jesus died for their sins and have placed their faith in Him, yet they struggle to experience the joy and peace that comes from truly living as forgiven people. Instead of pressing forward into God's calling, they remain trapped by past mistakes, cycling through the same old issues and tormented by memories of things already repented of and covered by Christ's blood.

What Does It Mean to Be Redeemed?

The Price That Was Paid

Ephesians 1:7 tells us, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." The word "redemption" refers to a price that was paid - like a ransom price in ancient slave markets or when someone paid another's debt.

When Christ died on the cross, He paid a debt we could not pay, while owing no debt Himself. The price was His blood. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, "Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit... you are not your own, for you were bought with a price."

You are not on a religious installment plan where good works balance out bad deeds. Even a lifetime of perfect good works couldn't cleanse a single sin. There is only one way sin can be dealt with - through the payment Jesus made on the cross.

How Can I Have Peace with God?

Justice Was Satisfied at the Cross

Our sins stood between us and a holy God who wanted to know us as Father. That barrier had to be removed. When Jesus said "It is finished" on the cross, and God raised Him three days later, the universe knew God had accepted Christ's sacrifice.

You are legally innocent in the sight of God because of the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ. The handwriting of ordinances that was against us has been nailed to the cross. Everything that stood between us and God has been dealt with through Jesus' sacrificial death.

The Blood Is Enough

Scripture declares the power of Christ's blood:

  • We have peace through the blood of His cross (Colossians 1:20)
  • We are brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13)
  • We are redeemed with the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:19)
  • We overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 12:11)
  • The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7)

What Power Do I Have Over My Past?

You Are Unchained from Yesterday's Torment

There's a crucial difference between the Holy Spirit's conviction and Satan's condemnation. The Holy Spirit draws you closer to Christ when dealing with sin. Satan brings up your past to drive you away from the Lord and keep you in condemnation.

But there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. You must know who you are in Christ so condemnation can be silenced.

Preaching Yourself Up

When tempted or when the enemy whispers accusations, you must rise up and declare truth:

  • "I'm a child of the Most High God"
  • "The blood of Jesus has cleansed me"
  • "The Spirit of God is conforming me into Christ's image"
  • "I have the authority of Jesus to triumph over anything I face"

You are not who you used to be. The old man is dead and gone. You are a new creation, the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

What Promises Can I Stand On?

You Are Secure in Christ's Finished Work

Notice the present tense in Ephesians 1:7: "In him we HAVE redemption." Not "we might have" or "we will have" - we HAVE it right now. This is not something you're striving to obtain; it became a present reality when you put your faith in the risen Lord.

The finished work of Jesus Christ is complete. You cannot add to it or take away from it. Your security rests entirely in what He accomplished 2,000 years ago.

Life Application

This week, choose to live the forgiven life instead of the forgotten life. Stop allowing past mistakes to define your present reality. When condemning thoughts arise, immediately counter them with the truth of God's Word about your identity in Christ.

Questions for Reflection:

  • What past mistakes or failures am I still allowing to torment me, even though I've repented?
  • Am I living with a sin-consciousness or devil-consciousness instead of being Christ-conscious?
  • How can I better align my thoughts with what God says about my identity rather than how I feel or what the enemy whispers?
  • What specific truths about Christ's blood and finished work do I need to declare over my life this week?

Remember: You are forgiven, redeemed, and secure in Christ's finished work. It's time to let go of what's behind and press forward into all God has for you.