And then, a light appeared in the distance, an opening – I was being helped up and out into the warmth of the sunshine, fresh air, and the pure bliss of freedom. I was free to go, freed from the horror of what I had been trapped in. How? Why? What had changed? Who had rescued me? I learned that someone had paid my ransom in order to set me free. For what amount of money? A million dollars? Would anyone in their right mind pay that much to help me? No one that I knew even had that kind of money. But no, I learned that the price of my ransom cost far more! The person who had paid for my ransom, paid for it with his own life. What?? Why did it have to be that way? I was so thankful for my life and my freedom, but also shocked that anyone would die for me, to rescue me. And then the horrible thought – was it my husband? My son? No – please, not my life for one that I love so dearly – what an awful payment – how cruel! But wait, I see my family, running to greet me – holding me tightly – all safe and sound – Thank God! Then who???

Let me show you Jesus, God’s Son, Who came to earth as both man and God, to live a sinless perfect life, to be worthy to die in our place (the innocent for the guilty). God took His wrath for our sins out on Jesus, instead of us, so that the punishment for our sins could be justly paid for. After Jesus died a shameful death on a cross, spilling His blood on our sinful world, He rose from the grave and is Alive and still bears the scars on His hands and feet and side – where He was pierced for our sake. He died for ME – for YOU – to set us free from Death, from Sin, from Eternal separation from Him and everyone we love and hold dear in our lives, from an Eternity in Hell.

WHY? Because we cannot free ourselves from sin – because we are hopelessly trapped with no way out on our own – because even our best intentions turn sour and we realize we are no better off then we were before. We have sinned against a Holy God, and we will continue to add to our guilt, because we do not have the ability to be perfect and sinless. We know right from wrong, but we give in to temptation, excusing it as impossible to do otherwise, and we end up in that bottomless pit of sin and guilt and despair, with no way out. Even when we feel strong and victorious for a moment, we realize that we don’t even have the power or strength to add a minute to our lives – we are truly fragile and helpless and without hope, lost without a chance of rescuing ourselves.

UNTIL…

We look to our Saviour – the God Who created us, Who loves us with an everlasting love, Who knows that we are weak and unable to save ourselves, and Who died for us so that we can be tenderly rescued, FREE, to be with Him, the One Who loves us the most, with Him here and now and forever in Heaven. With no more debt to pay – not a single penny more of our ransom to pay – we're free and clear from our debt of sin, forever! When God looks at us, He sees us through Jesus – we are now counted as “righteous” even though we may continue to sin. And He sends us His Holy Spirit, to live in our hearts, to guide us, to comfort and heal us, to teach us and re-create us into the person God made us to be!

We have joy: Even in sorrowful times, because we know that God has us in His tender care always – that we can never lose Him or be lost again.
We have peace from all fear: Even if we were to die today, we will be instantly with Him in Heaven with no more pain or sorrow or death ever again, and will begin our new lives of happiness and love with Him and all our loved ones who have also trusted and believed in Him.
We are truly free: From our former bondage to sin, darkness, despair, hopelessness, helplessness and guilt. Our lives can reflect the love of Jesus, as He helps us to share His love with others!

“They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave...But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for He shall receive me.” (Psalm 49:6-7; 14-15)

“The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave Himself a ransom for all.” (1 Timothy 2:3-6)

“And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Isaiah 35:10)

There is no need to remain in the darkness of despair, sin, pain or hopelessness. Jesus has already died to set YOU free! Won't you turn to Him, admit you are lost and need His help, trust Him, and know the love, peace and joy that comes from knowing Him? It's up to you - there IS something ONLY you can do; turn to Him!
~ In His Love, Cherie