Jesus’ resurrection on that first Easter changes everything for us. Easter is not just about forgiveness of sins (though that would be enough!). Easter makes everything new. In Easter, God makes us into new people through a new birth – so much more than a second chance. In Easter, God takes our dreams and wishes and transforms them into a living hope – a guarantee based on God’s character and sealed with Jesus’ resurrection. In Easter, God guarantees our future for eternity – a rock solid inheritance that no earthly power or force can shake. We are Easter people, and in Easter God makes everything new for us!
Redemption means to buy something back or to set it free, usually by paying a price. God is our redeemer, and redemption is his specialty throughout the Bible. The fullest and most beautiful redemption story ever told is given to us when we are redeemed by the blood of Jesus. As we focus on the blessings that Nothing but the Blood of Jesus can give to us, today we focus on freedom from sin and shame because by Christ’s blood we have been “redeemed from the empty way of life” handed down to us (1 Peter 1:18-19).