How long we have to wait for redemption

The question of how long we have to wait for redemption is one that has been asked throughout the ages, and it touches on both personal and eschatological (end times) aspects of Christian faith.

Here's a breakdown of how this can be understood from a biblical perspective:

1. Personal Redemption

Immediate Redemption Through Christ:For believers in Christ, redemption is an immediate reality. According to the New Testament, the moment someone places their faith in Jesus Christ, they are redeemed. This redemption refers to being saved from sin and its consequences, being reconciled to God, and receiving eternal life. Ephesians 1:7: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace."Colossians 1:13-14: "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."This personal redemption is something we don't have to wait for; it is a present reality for those who are in Christ.

2. Ongoing Redemption

Sanctification Process:While redemption from sin is immediate, the full experience of redemption is an ongoing process. This is seen in the Christian life as sanctification, where believers are progressively made more like Christ. Philippians 2:12-13: "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."2 Corinthians 3:18: "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."In this sense, we are continually being redeemed as we grow in holiness and Christlikeness.

3. Future Redemption

Eschatological (End Times) Redemption:The Bible also speaks of a future aspect of redemption that is yet to be fully realized. This includes the redemption of our bodies and the ultimate redemption of creation itself. This future redemption is something we wait for with hope and patience.

Romans 8:22-23: "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."1 Corinthians 15:51-52: "Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed."This future redemption will occur when Christ returns, and it involves the resurrection of the dead, the final defeat of sin and death, and the restoration of all things.

4. Waiting with Hope

Patient Endurance:The Bible encourages believers to wait with hope and patience for the full realization of redemption. This waiting is not passive but is marked by active faith, perseverance in trials, and a longing for Christ's return. James 5:7-8: "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."Titus 2:13: "Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."Summary Redemption is both a present reality and a future hope. For those who trust in Christ, redemption begins immediately with salvation, continues throughout life as we are sanctified, and will be fully realized in the future when Christ returns. The waiting for full redemption requires patience, faith, and hope, trusting that God’s promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. In practical terms, this means living with the assurance that we are redeemed now, even as we anticipate the day when every aspect of that redemption is fully manifested in our lives and in the world. How We Attain Redemption (Personal Redemption Section)

Immediate Redemption Through Christ: Redemption is a key aspect of Christian faith, and it is something that believers attain not through their own efforts but through faith in Jesus Christ. This redemption involves being saved from sin, reconciled to God, and granted eternal life. Here's how this redemption is attained:

Recognition of Sin and Need for a Savior: Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."The first step in attaining redemption is recognizing our sinfulness and our inability to attain righteousness on our own. This realization leads to the understanding that we need a Savior.

Faith in Jesus Christ: John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."Redemption is attained through faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and was raised to life. By believing in Him and trusting in His sacrificial death and resurrection, we are redeemed.

Repentance and Turning to God: Acts 3:19: "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out."Attaining redemption involves repentance—turning away from sin and turning to God. This is a crucial aspect of coming to faith in Christ, as it demonstrates a sincere desire to change and live according to God’s will.

Confession of Faith: Romans 10:9-10: "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."Confession of Jesus as Lord is an outward expression of the inward faith that brings about redemption. It is through this confession and belief in the heart that one attains the assurance of salvation.

Receiving God’s Grace: Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."Redemption is not something we can earn by our works; it is a gift of God’s grace. We attain it by accepting this grace through faith, recognizing that it is God’s work, not ours.

Practical Application:

Personal Reflection: Spend time reflecting on your need for redemption and the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. Acknowledge any areas of your life where you may still be relying on your own efforts rather than on God’s grace.

Daily Faith and Repentance: Continually nurture your faith through prayer, reading Scripture, and repenting of any sins. This helps keep your focus on Christ and deepens your experience of His redeeming love.

Sharing the Message: Share the message of redemption with others, offering them the hope that is found in Christ. By doing so, you participate in God’s redemptive work in the world.

Summary: Attaining redemption is a process that begins with the recognition of our need for a Savior and is fully realized through faith in Jesus Christ. It involves repentance, confession, and receiving God’s grace. This redemption is immediate and complete at the moment of faith, granting us a new relationship with God and the promise of eternal life. As we live out this redemption, we are called to continually turn to God in faith, grow in holiness, and share the hope of redemption with others.