True Redemption

Church language can become familiar without becoming clear. Words like redemption, atonement, sanctification, holiness, and righteousness can be heard in songs, podcasts, posts, and church life, while the real meaning still stays fuzzy. The simple question underneath it all is, “What does this mean?”Redemption is not just another word for forgiveness. Redemption means to purchase someone in order to rescue, restore, and set free. Lisa paid a price, claimed Corduroy, gave him identity, repaired what he could not repair, and took him home. That is gospel language. The prodigal son was not restored as a hired servant because the father never stopped seeing him as a son. Redemption means God brings broken people home and restores them to who they were always intended to be.