Redemption in Christ Jesus
We thus judge, that if One died for all, then were all dead...therefore if
any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;
behold all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:14,17.
We are made righteous "through the redemption that is in Christ
Jesus." That is, through the purchasing power that is in Christ Jesus,
or "through the unsearchable riches of Christ." Ephesians 3:8.
This is the reason why it comes to us as a gift.
Some
one may say that everlasting life in the kingdom of God is too great a thing
to be given to us for nothing. So it is, and therefore it had to be
purchased. But since we had nothing that could buy it, Christ has purchased
it for us and He gives it to us freely, in Himself. But if we had to
purchase it from Him, we might as well have bought it in the first place,
and saved Him the task. "If righteousness come by the law, then Christ
is dead in vain." Galatians 2:21. "Ye were redeemed, not with
corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life
handed down from your fathers; but with precious blood, as of a Lamb without
blemish and without spot, even the blood of Christ." 1 Peter 1:18, 19.
The redemption that is in Christ Jesus is His own life.
Christ
is the one whom God has set forth to declare His righteousness. Now since
the only righteousness that is real righteousness is the righteousness of
God, and Christ is the only One who has been ordained of God to declare it
upon men, it is evident that it can not be obtained except through Him.
"There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must
be saved." Acts 4:12.
Waggoner on Romans, p. 72 |
