Jesus Gave Himself A Ransom For All

God wants “all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (v. 4). We are all sinners (Rom 3:23), and Jesus is the only “mediator between God and men” (v. 5). Sadly, not everyone will respond to the truth and trust Jesus alone as their Lord and Saviour by faith (Jn 1:12). There are no other gods or religions that can make peace between us and the God of Heaven (Rom 5:1). But many will enter the wide gate and the broad way, “that leadeth to destruction” (Mt 7:13).

Only Jesus “gave Himself a ransom for all.” This implies that we are all born in bondage or in captivity to death because of sin (1 Cor 15:56). When Adam and Eve sinned, they were taken captive by the devil and were destined to die (Gen 3:5); “and so death passed upon all men” (Rom 5:12). We are all born in captivity to death and the devil (Jn 8:44). It is like being kidnapped and needing a ransom payment to be released. Most people don’t realize that they are captives to sin (Jn 8:34). And the only way to be set free from that bondage (Heb 2:14), is to “know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn 8:32). Jesus is that Truth and the Only way to Heaven (Jn 14:6)! He paid the ransom in full (1 Cor 6:20), to set us free (Gal 5:1).

 Many today are still trying to figure out their own way “through philosophy and vain deceit” (Col 2:8). They can’t get out because an acceptable ransom has to be paid. Jesus satisfied that requirement – He became the ransom and “a propitiation through faith in His blood” (Rom 3:25). Nothing can compare to the price that He paid (Jn 15:13). Jesus died, but “He rose from the dead” (1 Cor 15:12)! Death could not hold Him and it won’t hold you too if you trust Him as your Saviour. He alone can “make you free” (Jn 8:36)! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera