Hello! How are you all doing? No matter what, I think- life has become more trying with each day!  As a Believer, the testing of the Trial of my Faith seems magnified… the testing of my patience, the testing of my sharp tongue (I’m sure I’m the only one who has that problem), the testing of my emotions, my physicality, and my faith!  When one has faith and walks with God one may not fully grasp the importance of what it means to be Redeemed by God.

   In the Bible, to redeem means to buy back, to pay a ransom, and to bring someone or something back to its rightful owner-which for Believers is God. Once one becomes Born Again, we learn that we have been Redeemed-which means we were bought with a price, and that redemptive price was the blood of Jesus; who willingly took upon Himself the shedding of His blood as the only acceptable sacrifice before God to take away our sins-past, present and future. “In Him we have redemption through his blood, in forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (Ephesians 1:7)  

    Once we are redeemed and forgiven from our sins, our transformation to be more Christ-like begins. It also means we begin to change our behavior from self-centered to Christ centered. We are called into Holiness in everything we do. “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) God has provided the instruction manual because transformation truly can only be done with God’s help by reading and applying Biblical principles from God’s Word, discipleship and prayer. 

    We can be redeemed and not act Holy, but we cannot be Holy without being redeemed. It is God’s love that gives us Holiness-which is reflected in His children when they live set apart from the world and its corruption. It is making Godly decisions instead of worldly ones. In other words, we begin reflecting God in our lives. We start acting with Godly love, God’s truth and His mercy towards others.  As Believers we start renewing our minds so that our thoughts, words and actions honor God. But that does not mean we do not struggle with sin, or trials, or people, or our own thoughts. It is only by God’s grace we can go from our own vain imagination to a Godly transformation. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”. (Romans 12:2)  

    God is so faithful to us. He is loving and patient, but He does not and will not tolerate sin-that’s why Holiness is so important to our relationship with God.  “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1) 

 Please continue to join me as we grow together with a Renewed Heart.     

                                                                                                                                             Melody Elias