Continue Appreciating the Ransom

 "The Son of man came . . . to give his life as a ransom in exhange for many." - MARK 10:45.

WHEN the perfect man Adams sinned, he lost the opportunity for everlasting life not only for himself but also for his future children.  There was no excuse for what Adam did.  His sin was deliberate. But what about his children?  They ghad no role in Adam's   sin.  (Romans 5:12, 14)  Could anythinb be done to resuce  them from the death  sentence that their forefather so richly deserved?  Yes!  Soon after Adam sinned, Jehovah progressively  revealed how he would rescue millions of Adam's offspring from the curse of sin and death.  (Genesis 3:15)  At  his appointed time, Jehovah would send his Son from heaven "to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many." - MARK 10:45;  JOHN 6:51. 

What is the ransom?  When referred to in the Christian Greek Scriptures, the ransom is the price Jesus paid to buy back what Adam lost.  (1 Corinthians 15:22)  Why do we need the ransom? Because Jehovah's standard of justice as set out in the Law required that a life be given for a life.  ( Exodus 21:23, 24)  Adam lost his perfect human life.  To satisfy God's justice, Jesus sacrificed his perfect human life.  (Romans 5:17)  He thus becomes an "Eternal Father" to all those who exercise faith in the ransoom. - ISAIAH 9:6; ROMANS 3:23, 24.

Jesus was willing to sacrifice his life because of his great love for his heavenly Father and for us.  (Read John 14:31; 15:13.)  Moved by that love, he was determined to keep his integrity  to the end  and to accomplish his Father's will. Jesus did so  by  remaining faithful  until his death.  As a result, Jehovah's  original purpose for mankind and for the earth will be fulfilled.  In this article,we will discuss why God allowed Jesus  to suffer so much before he died.  We will also briefly review the example of a Bible writer who deeply appreciated  the ransom. And finally,l we will discuss how we can show our thankfullness for the ransom and how we can  deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice that Jehovah and Jesus provided for us.

Next time: Continue Appreciating the Ransom - WHY WAS JESUS ALLOWED TO SUFFER?

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