“In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” – Colossians 1:14

Redemption refers to the act of setting a prisoner free by the payment of a ransom. All of humanity is in need of redemption from their captivity to sin and its consequences. In an attempt to be free from guilt and condemnation, people perform sacrifices, washings, and pilgrimages. But year after year, the guilt remains, for silver and gold, the blood of bulls and goats cannot cleanse nor set people free from the clutches and penalty of sin. 

But in Christ, we have redemption through His blood, which was given as a price for our sins. He became the atoning sacrifice who satisfied the righteous judgment of God. Through the cross of Christ, God forgives us of all our sins and washes us clean. If God so forgives us, we no longer need to be prisoners to guilt; instead, we rejoice in the forgiveness we have received.