Why We Need the Ransom -THE RANSOM PROVIDES HEALING - Conclusion

 Think about what being rescued from a sinful condition will mean for you. Imagine what it will be like to wake up each morning feeling well, to live each day without being afraid that you or your loved ones will go hungry, get sick, or die. Even now, you can find a measure of peace as you "take firm hold of the hope . . . as an anchor for the soul, both sure and firm." (Hebrews 6:18, 19) Just as an anchor can stabilize a boat, your Christian hope can stabilize your faith and help you endure any trials you face now. Indeed, you can have confidence that Jehovah will become "the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." (Hebrews 11:6) The comfort that you receive now and the hope you for the future are possible only because of the ransom. 

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Why We Need the Ransom -THE RANSOM PROVIDES HEALING

 The condition of sin has a similar effect on us as it did the first couple. Our physical and emotional anguish is rooted in our sinful condition. No matter how hard we try to improve our situation, we can only go so far. Why? Because, as the Bible says, we have been "subjected to futility." (Romans 8:20) This has proved true not only for us as individuals but also for mankind in general. For example, think about man's efforts to manage the environment, to control crime, to eliminate poverty, and to achieve peace among the nations. Despite any small steps of progress, those efforts have futile. How can the ransom rescue us from our sinful condition? 

The ransom provides hope that "the creation itself will . . .be set free from enslavement to corruption. (Romans 8:21) When the benefits of the ransom are fully applied in God's new world, we will no longer be plagued by crippling feelings of guilt, anxiety, insecurity, pain, or shame. Furthermore, our efforts to manage the earth and to live in peace will no longer be futile but will succeed under the rule of the one who ransomed us, the "Prince of Peace," Jesus Christ. - ISAIAH 9:6, 7.

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Why We Need the Ransom- THE RANSOM PROVIDES HEALING

 In the Bible, the word "sin" refers not just to an action but also a condition, one that was inherited the moment we were conceived. (Read Psalm 51:5 And footnote.) This condition not only inclines us to do wrong but also causes weaknesses that make us susceptible to disease, aging, and death. That helps explain why infants -who have not committed any sinful acts-can sick and even die. It also helps explained why both bad people and good people suffer and succumb to death. Every perfect descendant of Adam had inherited a sinful condition. 

Think about how that sinful condition affected the first couple. It produced and internal upheaval within them. After they rebelled, Adam and Eve immediately experienced the consequences of their violating God's law- a law that was "written in their hearts." (Romans 2:15) They could sense a change in themselves-and not for the better. They felt compelled to cover portion of their body and hide like criminals from their Creator. (Genesis 3:7, 8) For the first time, Adam and Eve were subject to feelings of guilt, anxiety, insecurity, pain, and shame. To one degree or another, those feelings would plague them until their death. - GENESIS  3:16-19. 

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Why We Need the Ransom -THE RANSOM PROVIDES FORGIVENESS -Conclusion

 As You prepare to attend this year's Memorial, take time to think about what Jehovah's forgiveness means to you. For example, because of the ransom, you do not need to be consumed with guilt over past sins for which you have repented. What if you find that difficult to accept? Perhaps you have said to yourself, 'I understand that Jehovah can forgive, but I can't forgive myself.' If you feel that way, remember this: Jehovah is the one who forgives, and he has given his Son authority to judge. Jehovah has not given you or any other human the task of deciding who will or will not receive his mercy. The Bible says: "If are walking in the light as [Jehovah] is in the light, . . . the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:6, 7) We can be just as confident of that as we are of any other Bible teaching. The ransom has given Jehovah the legal basis to extend mercy to us, and his Word says that he is "ready to forgive." - PSALM 86:5.

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Why We Need the Ransom - THE RANSOM PROVIDES FORGIVENESS -Continue

 The Mosaic Law required that the Israelites offer animal sacrifices to atone for their sins. (Leviticus 4:27-31; 17:11) Those sacrifices foreshadowed the greater sacrifice of Jesus and the resulting blessings. His sacrifice would provide a legal basis for Jehovah to forgive our sins. Paul understood the value of Jesus' sacrificial death, as shown by what he wrote to the Christians in Corinth. After listing their former bad practices, he told them: "You have been washed clean; you have been sanctified; you have been declared righteous in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God." - 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-11. 

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Why We Need the Ransom - THE RANSOM PROVIDES FORGIVENESS

 We need the ransom in order to be forgiven of our sins. Every imperfect human commits sins, whether in word or in deed. (Read Ecclesiastes 7:20.) Some sins are especially serious. For example, the crimes of adultery and of murder were punishable by death under the Mosaic Law. (Leviticus 20:10; Numbers 35:30, 31) Many sins, of course, are not as serious as that; nevertheless, they are still sins. For example, the psalmist David said; "I will guard my step to avoid sinning with my tongue." (Psalm 39:1) Yes, at times, even our speech can be sinful. - JAMES 3:2. 

Think about your past words and actions. Have you said things to others that you wish you could take back? Have you made mistakes that you regret? No doubt, your answer to both questions is yes. The Bible states: "If we make the statement, "We have no sin," we are misleading ourselves and the truth is not in us." - 1 JOHN 1:8. 

The ransom provides a sound basis for Jehovah to forgive our sins. (Ephesians 1:7) However, this does not mean that Jehovah simply overlooks our offenses, as if they do not matter to him. Sin does matte to Jehovah. (Isaiah 59:2) His perfect justice requires that there be a basis for forgiveness. 

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Why We Need the Ransom

 Paul did not end his comments about sin on a negative note. After asking: "Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death?" he answered his own question emphatically: "Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:25) Paul was referring to Jesus' ransom sacrifice. That ransom can rescue us by ((1) forgiveness of our sins. (2) healing from our sinful condition, and (3) reconciliation with our Creator. As we consider these points, we will grow in our love for Jehovah, "the God who gives hope." (Romans 15:13) We will also grow in our appreciation for Jesus by means of whom we have our release by ransom." - COLOSSIANS 1:14. 

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Why We Need the Ransom

 "Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death?"  - ROMANS 7:24.

IMAGINE the scene. A building collapses. trapping a man in the rubble. He is alive, but he cannot remove himself from the wreckage. All he can do is cry out for help and hope that he can be rescued. 

Each one of us is in a comparable situation. In what way? When Adam rebelled against his Creator, he became a sinner. Later, he passed on his sinful condition to his children. As a result, the entire human race became trapped in the rubble of inherited sin, and we cannot remove ourselves from its effects. The apostle Paul well described our sinful condition in his letter to the Romans. (Read Romans 7:22-24.) He begged to be rescued "from the body undergoing this death. "Paul was trapped by inherited sin, which unavoidable leads to death. (Romans 6:23) We are in that same predicament. We need to be rescued. 

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"You Are Precious to Me"! - HOW TO SEE OURSELVES AS JEHOVAH SEES US - Conclusion

 Do not reject sincere words of commendation from those who know you and love you. Keep in mind that Jehovah may be using them to help you appreciate that you have  his approval. Eliana, mentioned earlier, says: "Little by little, I am learning to accept in my heart the kind words from others. It is a struggle, but I know this is what Jehovah want me to do." Eliana has benefited from the love efforts of elders. She is now serving as a pioneer and  as a remote volunteer for Bethel.

Jesus kindly reminds us that we matter very much to our heavenly Father. (Luke 12:24) So we can be confident that Jehovah sees us as precious. May we never forget this! And may we do our best to help others to see how precious they are in God's eyes! 

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"You Are Precious to Me"! - HOW TO SEE OURSELVES AS JEHOVAH SEES US - Continue

 See Jehovah as a Father who loves you. He wants to help you. not find fault with you. (Psalm 130:3; Matthew 7:11; Luke 12:6, 7) Meditating on that has helped many with feelings of low self-worth. For example, consider Eliana, a sister from Spain who felt rejected and useless after years of verbal abuse from her husband. She says:  "Whenever I feel useless, I try to imagine Jehovah carrying me in his arms and giving me love and protection. (Psalm 28:9) Lauren, a sister from South Africa, reminds herself, "If Jehovah kindly drew me to him with cords of love, has kept me close to him all these years, and has even me to teach others, then he surely considers me to be valuable and useful. - HOSEA 11:4. 

Be convinced that you have Jehovah's approval. (Read Psalm 5:12.) David likened Jehovah's approval to a "large shield" that protects righteous people. Knowing you have Jehovah's approval and support can protect you from becoming consumed with self-doubt.  How can you know that you have Jehovah's approval? As we have seen, Jehovah gives you the assurance by means of his Word. In addition, he uses elders, close friends, and others to remind you that you are precious in his eyes. How shoudl  you respond to such encouragement? 

Next time: "You Are Precious to Me"! - HOW TO SEE OURSELVES AS JEHOVAH SEES US - Continue

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