Freed from sin

Revelation 1:5 To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.

The book of Revelation starts out by declaring itself a revelation of Jesus Christ sent from God. As I wrote last time, it starts out by revealing Jesus Christ as the ruler of the kings of the earth. Immediately following that proclamation, we read of Jesus being our Savior who set us free from our sins by his blood!

That is why it is a delight to serve Christ the King. For he does not rule over his people with an iron fist like many kings of earth do. But he rules over us, his people, with love and good will, pouring upon us the blessings and benefits of his kingdom.

For our sin is like a cruel oppressor bringing us to judgement and the grave. It shows no mercy and is only interested in condemning. But the King we serve has an abundance of grace for all of us who have defected from the kingdom of this world and the spiritual ruler of darkness. He has used his power and authority not to oppress us but to free us from our spiritual captor: sin. Our former captor can no longer damn those who belong to Christ. For his blood, that became the just punishment for our sin, has broken its chains.

In Christ, there is forgiveness for every sort of sin. There is no sin that stands againt you or I that can not be forgiven by the power of his blood. Just think, no matter how great and how many they may be, there is a fountain of forgiveness waiting for any and all who will step underneath it an be cleansed. His nail-scarred hand is held out for all who will humbly and contritely come and believe.

My great Lord, how blessed I have felt that I have found forgiveness through you. When I think of the price you paid and the love you showed to purchase my forgiveness, I am overwhelmed. The awareness of my shortcommings makes me all the more grateful when I realize that I have been set free. I am no longer a prisoner to fear of judgement. You have broken my chains and I have escaped. I am honored to be your servant.