"The Lord Hath Redeemed
Jacob"
Isaiah 44:23
In this text of Scripture the prophet of
God tells us five things about redemption that we must lay to heart. Redemption,if it is thought of and understood in biblical terms,
always has these five characteristics.
1. REDEMPTION IS THE WORK OF GOD ALONE -
"The LORD hath done it!"Redemption is not something made possible by
God,but effected by man. Redemption is not something
accomplished by God and man together. It is the work of the triune God alone.
God the Father purposed it. God the Son accomplished it. God the Spirit applies
it.
2. REDEMPTION IS AN ACCOMPLISHED WORK - It
is complete, a finished work. Christ has satisfied the justice of God and put
away the sins of his people by his one great sacrifice for sin. His
one sacrifice is infinitely meritorious and effectual, securing the everlasting
salvation of all for whom his blood was shed. "The LORD hath done
it!"
3. REDEMPTION IS THE PURCHASE OF A
PARTICULAR PEOPLE - "The LORD hath redeemed Jacob.
"Jacob is the people of God's choice,the
people of his covenant,the people for whom all the blessings of grace are
reserved. Jacob is the people actually delivered by God's almighty arm from the
house of bondage. Had the prophet said, "The LORD hath redeemed all
people," there would have been no inspiration for faith, hope, or joy. If
all people, both those who perish and those who live, have been redeemed, then
redemption is meaningless. Here is our basis of faith, hope, and joy - "The
LORD hath redeemed Jacob!"
4. REDEMPTION IS THE WORK IN WHICH GOD
GLORIFIES HIMSELF - "The LORD hath...glorified himself in
5. REDEMPTION IS THE CAUSE OF JOY IN THE
BELIEVER'S HEART - "Sing!...break forth into
singing, for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob!" We rejoice to know that our
sins are pardoned through the blood of Christ and that our God is glorified in
the pardon of our sins. We also rejoice in the confidence that he who redeemed
us will do us good, and nothing but good forever (Rom.
Don Fortner