Redemption for God’s Glory – Being the image of Christ in tough times.

Redemption for God’s Glory

Pastor Calvin Cook,

April 11, 2025

Key Verse: “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake.” (Isaiah 43:25)

There recently was some conversation either in Bible Study or a recent sermon about the identity of Christ or taking on the identity of Christ. This morning I’m thinking this is what Redemption does besides leaving behind the sins of the past and wiping the record clean. When we have been redeemed, we take on the identity of Christ, we look like Jesus, we as Christians become little Christ.

Is this identity completely lived out in the words we say, the things we do, how we respond, and most importantly how we live our lives from the day of redemption forward?  Or is it just a passing moment that gets us out of the situation we are presently in, but doesn’t necessarily change anything about us, who we are, or what we look like and are perceived by the world.

We can use all the Easter words and phrases that we want to; bought with a price, because of the cross, because Jesus defeated death, at the cross I found forgiveness, and many others that brings a temporary soothing to our soul. However, this is what it really comes down to; God forgives not because of our worthiness, but for His glory. His mercy and grace reflect His faithfulness, loving, and just righteousness and the same should be seen in us as well.  In Jesus, we see the ultimate act of forgiveness. His death on the cross glorifies the Father by showcasing the depth of His love and justice.

As redeemed, saved and sanctified people, what are we mirroring? To a hurting world what are we saying, “Go to church and it will all be OK”, or are we being the church and going to the people with the knowledge, heart and passion of Jesus and allowing the identity of Christ we claim to be witnessed by all people.  Not saying that all my words are right or that they will find a good place or leave a good taste, but these words are reality. We can’t just expect a relationship with God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to get us out of a mess as a temporary fix. We must look at redemption as part of the plan and purpose of eternity. Where never again will we return to the desperation of sinfulness but experience a life where all we reflect is God in all we do, and most importantly it is all for God’s glory.