Topical Bible: Redemption: The Present Life, the Only Season For

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In Christian theology, redemption refers to the deliverance from sin and its consequences, achieved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The concept of redemption is central to the Christian faith, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's atonement and the necessity of accepting this gift within one's lifetime.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible underscores the urgency of redemption in the present life, highlighting that the opportunity for salvation is confined to one's earthly existence. Hebrews 9:27 states, "Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment," indicating that the time for securing redemption is limited to this life. This verse emphasizes the finality of death and the subsequent judgment, underscoring the importance of seeking redemption before it is too late.

The Call to Immediate Action

Scripture repeatedly calls individuals to respond to God's offer of redemption without delay. In 2 Corinthians 6:2 , Paul writes, "For He says, 'In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!" This passage stresses the immediacy of accepting God's grace, urging believers to recognize the present moment as the opportune time for salvation.

The Parable of the Rich Fool

Jesus' teachings further illustrate the urgency of redemption in this life. In the Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21), Jesus tells of a wealthy man who plans to store up his goods for many years, only to have his life demanded of him that very night. The parable concludes with Jesus' warning: "This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God." This account serves as a caution against complacency and the assumption of unlimited time, urging individuals to prioritize their spiritual state.

The Example of the Thief on the Cross

The account of the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43) provides a poignant example of redemption obtained in the final moments of life. One of the criminals crucified alongside Jesus acknowledges his own guilt and Jesus' innocence, asking, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." Jesus responds, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." This narrative illustrates that while redemption is available up to the last breath, it must be sought during one's lifetime.

Warnings Against Procrastination

The Bible warns against the dangers of procrastination in matters of faith. In James 4:14 , it is written, "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This verse serves as a reminder of life's brevity and the unpredictability of the future, encouraging believers to seize the present opportunity for redemption.

The Role of Faith and Repentance

Redemption in the present life requires an active response of faith and repentance. Acts 3:19 exhorts, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." This call to repentance is a fundamental aspect of the redemption process, necessitating a conscious turning away from sin and toward God.

Conclusion

The Bible presents the present life as the sole season for redemption, urging individuals to embrace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ without delay. Through parables, teachings, and apostolic exhortations, Scripture emphasizes the urgency and necessity of securing one's redemption during this earthly existence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 36:18,19
Because there is wrath, beware lest he take you away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jowett -- Apostolic Optimism
... the spacious reaches of the apostle's life the redemptive work of his Master is
present as an ... massive and stately presentation of the doctrines of redemption. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/jowett apostolic optimism.htm

Thought, Deed, Word
... wrought upon the earth, which is at once the means of revelation and the means of
redemption. ... The great deliverance is to be ever present in practical life. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/thought deed word.htm

To the Saddest of the Sad
... the Lord's resolve to rescue them by a great redemption. ... you, and raise you out of
this present evil world ... girl that wishes to lead a better life will only ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/to the saddest of the.htm

Characters and Names of Messiah
... already felt the influence of the redemption which MESSIAH ... die, you can have no true
enjoyment of life. ... Admitting, that according to your present feelings, you ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon ix characters and names.htm

The End of Christ's Coming
... God," children of God by faith; "having redemption through the ... of God was manifested
to destroy in this present life. ... Only be not straitened in your own bowels ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 62 the end of.htm

Life in Christ
... shall not be given in vain; a redemption so marvelous as ... of all, that all who have
spiritual life are one ... There must be every member present to make a complete ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/life in christ.htm

Job's Faith and Expectation
... 58) Therefore, the Redeemer is mighty, and His redemption is sure ... of it they enjoy
in the present life, which cheer ... of those who have their portion only in this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxxix jobs faith and.htm

Colossians i. 9, 10
... he said not "redemption," but "full redemption," so that we ... For the present life
is a nest cemented together with ... they spoke not of such matters only, but also ...
/.../homily ii colossians i 9.htm

Upon the Collections , iv.
... is now counteracted by the work of redemption in restoring ... But since this severity
is only denounced in order ... for mercy, we too in this present life must show ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon ix upon the collections.htm

Paul in Malta and Rome.
... the influence of the cares and enjoyments of the present life. ... knowledge of the
mysteries of redemption; and in ... The close of his life might seem unfortunate to ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxix paul in malta.htm