“Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (ROM. 7:24).
1, 2. Why do we need to be rescued? (Romans 7:22-24; see also the picture.)
We need rescue because, just as a person trapped under rubble cries out for help, we find ourselves in a similar situation. When Adam disobeyed his Creator, he became a sinner, and since all human beings come from him, we are all sinners. In other words, we are trapped in the rubble of inherited sin and desperately need someone to pull us out and rescue us.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
When Adam and Eve disobeyed Jehovah, all human beings became trapped in the wreckage of inherited sin.
We are like that person trapped in the rubble, not knowing what to do and whose only recourse is to cry out for help. Similarly, we in this world might feel trapped by sin. But, as we will see later, we have the help of someone who saves us.
As we read at Romans 7:22, this does not mean that we do not want to do things right. We love Jehovah’s law and want to act as he wants. However, the sin we have inherited draws us to do what we do not want, and that is why we need the ransom.
The image clearly illustrates the distressing situation in which all human beings find themselves: trapped, wounded, and without any hope except for rescue. In this sense, the desire to be rescued and to do everything possible to benefit from that rescue is what Jehovah seeks in us in order to save us.
ILLUSTRATION
A man is injured, trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building, and raises an arm for help.
Just as a man trapped under the rubble of a building needs to be rescued, we are trapped by inherited sin and need someone to rescue us. (See paragraphs 1 and 2.)
3. What makes rescue possible?
Redemption makes possible the forgiveness of our sins, our physical and emotional healing, and, most importantly, reconciliation with our Creator. In this way, we find a ray of hope in our desperate need to be rescued from the wreckage of inherited sin.
If we meditate on what makes redemption possible, our love for “the God who gives hope” and our gratitude toward Jesus, “through whom we have our redemption by ransom,” will grow.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It makes three things possible: first, the forgiveness of our sins; second, our physical and emotional healing; and third, reconciliation with our Lord, our Creator.
A ransom is the price paid to free someone from captivity. In this sense, Jesus Christ, by offering his life, rescued us from sin and death.
When we understand what a ransom is and what Jehovah has done through his Son, we can give thanks forcefully, as Paul did at Romans 7:25, because it is thanks to that ransom, to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, that we can have a hope; otherwise, mankind would be doomed to failure.
In Romans 15:13, the apostle Paul mentions “the God who gives hope”; that is, undoubtedly, thanks to this ransom we have hope. He also says: “May he fill you with happiness and peace because of your trust in him.” Clearly, the apostle Paul wanted his fellow believers to receive this wish: that Jehovah would fill them with these two qualities, happiness and peace, which are directly related to the hope that God gives us. So we want to share in that hope through Jehovah’s holy spirit.
IT MAKES THE FORGIVENESS OF OUR SINS POSSIBLE
4, 5. Why do we all need the ransom? (Ecclesiastes 7:20).
We all need redemption because, as imperfect human beings, we sin, whether in our words or actions, and we need redemption to obtain forgiveness for our sins.
According to Mosaic Law, those who committed certain sins, especially serious ones like adultery or murder, were to be put to death. Some sins are not as serious, but they are still sins, and it is possible to sin even with what we say, as the psalmist David said: “I will watch my steps so that I do not sin with my tongue.”
If we were to ask ourselves whether we have said or done things that we now regret, unfortunately we all have to answer yes, because, as the Bible says, “If we say ‘We have no sin,’ we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because we are all imperfect people and, in one way or another, we sin, whether with our words or with our actions.
Although we are constantly refining our character, this unkind and cold world means that, as the psalmist David said, we must constantly watch our steps so as not to sin with our words or actions. This also demonstrates that we are imperfect and in need of redemption.
James 3:2 says that whoever does not stumble over their words is perfect, and we know that no one is perfect. This makes us think that, often, when we say something—impulsive or critical words, comments that hurt others—we remember that we are imperfect people and that, all the more reason, we need redemption every day of our lives.
Paragraph five asks us some questions: Have we said things we wish we hadn't said or done things we regret? Clearly, we all have to answer yes, because at some point in our lives we have made mistakes. As 1 John 1:8 says, if we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves.
We see how the psalmist David acknowledged his imperfection, for in Psalm 39:1 he said: “I will watch my steps so that I do not sin with my tongue; I will keep my mouth covered with a muzzle while there is evil in my presence.” In other words, he knew very well that he was not perfect.
6, 7. What basis does Jehovah have for forgiving our sins? (See also the picture.)
Jehovah himself provided the basis for his forgiveness of our sins by sending Jesus to die to redeem us. The Law of Moses required animal sacrifices to atone for sins. Those sacrifices were a foreshadowing of something far greater: Jesus’ sacrifice and his wonderful blessings. Jesus’ death would give Jehovah a legal basis for forgiving our sins.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
By sending his Son Jesus to die to redeem us, Jehovah provided a valid basis for forgiving our sins. And, as Paul told the Christians in Corinth, “you have been washed, you have been sanctified, you have been declared righteous in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God.”
The Bible says that Jehovah is a just God and that his justice is perfect. Therefore, he could not overlook sin, the offense of Adam and Eve. Consequently, we all inherit that sin as his descendants. This does not mean that just because Jehovah can forgive us, he is indifferent to whether we sin or not. Isaiah 59:2 says that sin separates us from Jehovah, and because he loves us, it grieves him when we sin and turn away from him.
For example, when we get a stain from something very difficult to remove, no matter how much we wash it or use different products, the stain doesn't come out; but if we take it to the dry cleaners, it comes out looking like new. Jehovah is like that professional who has provided the “product” we need to thoroughly cleanse ourselves from the stain of sin through the ransom. And not only does he forgive our sins, but, as we read at 1 Corinthians 6:11, by our actions we can become righteous before Jehovah.
We see that animal sacrifices to atone for sins were performed once a year. Although they were a shadow of what was to come, the only truly valid sacrifice, made once and for all, was that of Jesus Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 6:11 we see that, unlike those sacrifices, Jesus’ ransom not only covers our sins, but also accomplishes three things: it washes us clean from our past; it sanctifies us, helping us to be set apart for Jehovah and to live a cleaner life; and it declares us righteous, meaning that Jehovah sees us as righteous because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Reflecting on all of this helps us to appreciate the ransom even more and all that it makes possible in our lives.
ILLUSTRATION
An Israeli family goes smiling to the temple and hands a sheep to a priest.
The animal sacrifices offered by the Israelites were a foreshadowing of Jesus' sacrifice and his wonderful blessings. (See paragraphs 6 and 7.)
8. What can we think about before attending the Commemoration this year?
Before attending the Memorial, we can reflect on how we benefit from knowing that Jehovah forgives us. For example, thanks to the ransom, we do not have to torment ourselves by dwelling on past sins for which we have already repented.
If we find it hard to accept that he has forgiven us, we can remember that, as the Bible says, “if we walk in the light, [...] the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin.” Through the ransom, Jehovah has the legal basis to show us mercy and is willing to forgive us, as his Word states.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Before attending the Memorial this year, we can take time to think about how we benefit from knowing that Jehovah forgives us.
Jehovah alone has the authority to forgive, and his Son has the authority to judge us. This is further proof of their great love for us, because sometimes we judge ourselves much more harshly than our Father would. That is why he wants us to leave this matter in his hands and in the hands of his Son; it is not for us to decide who will receive that mercy.
As 1 John 1:7 says, Jesus’ blood cleanses us from all sin. This helps us to attend the Memorial in peace, remembering that Jehovah is willing to forgive us because of the ransom.
Sometimes our imperfect conscience can be like an autoimmune disease that attacks us; it torments us by reminding us of past sins for which we have already repented or from which we have already been cleansed. But how beautiful it is to meditate on this Memorial about the precious gift that Jehovah has given us. Thanks to this, we can be sure that he forgives us completely, blots out those sins, and considers us clean.
This paragraph also makes us think that the teaching of redemption, with all that it encompasses—the forgiveness we can receive—is a biblical teaching and, in fact, a fundamental one. We should not doubt it, just as we do not doubt the other teachings or truths we have learned.
This legal basis also includes Jehovah’s mercy and willingness to forgive. That is why, when we commit serious sins, we may feel that we have not received the discipline we deserve, which could even make us feel bad. But mercy and the willingness to forgive include precisely that. It is Jehovah, together with Jesus Christ, who sets the standard, not ourselves.
IT MAKES OUR PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALING POSSIBLE
9. To what things does the word sin refer? (Psalm 51:5 and the footnote).
The word sin refers not only to the bad things we do, but also to the imperfection we inherit from the moment of conception. This imperfection inclines us to do wrong and causes weaknesses in our bodies, such as illness, aging, and death—something that affects all descendants of Adam.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The word, “sin”, can make us think of something bad we do, but it also refers to the inheritance of imperfection that we have, which leads us to do wrong and causes weaknesses such as sickness and death.
As we saw in Psalm 51:5, we are all born with this imperfection. That is why we need Jesus' redemption to receive forgiveness.
As the paragraph states, this explains why even a baby can get sick. Many of the bad things that can happen to us in life are consequences of our actions, but a baby hasn't done anything wrong and yet can still suffer and even die, just like good or bad people. This explains the imperfection we all inherit.
10. How did Adam and Eve feel when they sinned and became imperfect?
When Adam and Eve sinned, they became imperfect and began to suffer the terrible consequences of violating God's law, which was "written on their hearts." For this reason, they began to experience feelings of guilt, anxiety, insecurity, pain, and shame, and these feelings, to some extent, would accompany them until the day they died.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
What they began to experience was what is described in the paragraph: guilt, anxiety, insecurity, pain, and shame. They were exposed to all the consequences of their sin and the imperfection it brought. Thus, their situation changed from being perfect beings, without any problems, to living as we live now and experiencing those feelings.
Genesis 3:7-8 explains very well those feelings they began to experience. Upon realizing their situation, they felt the need to clothe themselves and cover themselves, and they also hid from Jehovah's sight, because they began to feel guilt and shame.
Such was the gravity of this sin that it wasn't limited to that moment; it wasn't a matter of them suffering in that instant and then, with time, it passing or being forgotten. As mentioned at the end of the paragraph, this would accompany them until their death. In Genesis 3:16-19, we see how, throughout their lives, they suffered greatly: the pain of childbirth for the woman and the toil of working the land for the man. It was something that would accompany them to the very end.
11. What effect does imperfection have on us?
Our imperfection means that, like Adam and Eve, we are haunted by the same feelings and it is the cause of our physical and emotional suffering. Furthermore, our ability to change our situation is limited, since, according to the Bible, humanity is "subjected to futility." Only through redemption do we have real hope.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Our physical and emotional suffering is caused by imperfection, and it also means that our results, no matter how much we strive to improve, are equally limited.
The Bible says that humanity in general, and not just each of us individually, is subject to futility. Romans 8:20 gives us the impression that it is something broken and empty.
To give an example of what humanity has tried to achieve without success, as the paragraph mentions, issues such as pollution, crime, poverty, and wars show that, although some progress has been made, overall they have always failed.
Because this world is so imperfect and has failed, the paragraph concludes by saying that, thanks to the rescue, we have a real hope, and that is what keeps us holding fast to it.
Romans 8:20 concludes by mentioning that we base our lives on hope. This is the hope of the ransom, the hope that, soon, humanity will no longer be subject to futility, because Jehovah will remove all imperfection from the world. This certainly fills us with hope and makes us happy.
12. What hope do we have thanks to the rescue?
Thanks to the ransom, we have the hope that, as Romans 8:21 says, “creation itself will also be set free from its enslavement to corruption.” When we are in the new world and have reached perfection, we will no longer suffer physical, mental, or emotional illness, nor will we be tormented by feelings of guilt, anxiety, insecurity, pain, or shame. Furthermore, under the reign of Jesus Christ, the “Prince of Peace,” we will be able to live in peace and take good care of the earth.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Thanks to the ransom, not only will we, human beings, achieve perfection, but creation itself will be freed from slavery and corruption, and will enjoy the glorious freedom of the children of God, according to Romans 8:21.
When we are in this new world, we will be able to enjoy perfection and will no longer suffer from the things that afflict us in this system, such as physical and emotional illnesses. Furthermore, as the paragraph states, we will be able to care for the Earth and live on it forever.
Isaiah 9:6-7 teaches us that, by living under the reign of the “Prince of Peace”, we will be able, as it says at the end, to take care of the earth, live in it, and reminds us that the effects of this rescue will be eternal.
We will have a Wonderful Counselor, a Mighty God, an Eternal Father, the Prince of Peace. As discussed and mentioned at the end of verse 7, this will be possible thanks to Jehovah. So, since Jesus is Jehovah's envoy, He will accomplish all of this and give us a perfect and wonderful future.
Isaiah 9:7 says something that the whole world desires in the times we live in: that the expansion of his government and peace will have no end, and that they will always remain with justice and righteousness.
As the final part of Isaiah 9:7 states, the zeal of Jehovah of armies will make it happen. Therefore, we can fully trust that Jehovah will fulfill everything his Word says.
13. What else can we meditate on before attending the Memorial this year?
Before attending the Memorial this year, we can reflect on what our lives will be like when we are no longer imperfect. We can imagine waking up each day feeling good and never having to worry about hunger, illness, or death, neither for ourselves nor for our loved ones.
We can also “hold fast to the hope that is before us,” which we have thanks to the ransom, and recognize that this “sure and firm hope that we have is like an anchor for the soul.” Meditating on it stabilizes our faith, helps us to endure any trial, and reminds us that Jehovah “rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We can reflect on all that we will be able to experience and enjoy thanks to this rescue. We will be able to wake up feeling well, without being sick, without having lost a loved one, and without going hungry, depending on the circumstances.
We can think of all the blessings we will have. Moreover, we can hold fast to that hope, because it is a firm anchor that does not waver in these times.
This hope also strengthens our faith and shows us how we can demonstrate gratitude to Jehovah, because what we really want is to live to please him and to make the most of this ransom.
Making a habit of meditating on the blessings that redemption can bring should not be seen as a momentary relief that makes us feel better for a moment, before we go on with our lives. The paragraph highlights a very important point: doing this can help us endure any trial.
If we make a habit of thinking about all the blessings that await us in the future, and that rescue is the key to all of them, we will not only feel good for a moment, but when hard trials come, it will be precisely this hope that will give us the strength to face them.
Having this expectation clearly in mind can bring us great happiness today, even when we face many problems. When we go through difficulties, if we think about all the good things to come and keep them in mind each day, meditating on them a little, we can even feel very happy before they happen.
IT MAKES RECONCILIATION POSSIBLE
14. When Adam and Eve sinned, what happened to our friendship with Jehovah, and why?
When Adam and Eve sinned, our friendship with Jehovah was broken, and humans became separated from God. In fact, the Bible says that humankind is at enmity with the Creator. This happened because Jehovah is perfect, and his righteous standards do not allow him to approve of sin.
Sin opened a chasm between God and humanity, and none of us can have a relationship with Jehovah unless a bridge is built to reconcile us to him. The ransom is that bridge that makes such reconciliation possible.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Ever since Adam and Eve sinned, the friendship between humans and God has been broken, because Jehovah is perfect and his righteous standards do not allow him to approve of sin. As Habakkuk 1:13 says: “Your eyes are too pure to see what is bad, and you cannot tolerate wickedness.”
The example in the paragraph explains that sin is like a chasm that separates us from God and that we could not cross on our own. Therefore, we need a bridge. What is that bridge that allows us to approach Jehovah again? It is the ransom, which makes reconciliation possible.
15. In what sense did the ransom appease Jehovah?
The ransom appeased Jehovah in the sense that it satisfied his standard of justice. It was not that Jesus’ death calmed or reassured him, but rather that it provided a legal basis for Jehovah to restore his good relationship with humankind. Thanks to the ransom, he could even consider righteous those who had served him faithfully before Christ’s death, because he was convinced that his Son, Jesus, would pay that ransom.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The paragraph explains that the ransom satisfies Jehovah’s standard of justice: one perfect life for another. This is because this reconciliation sacrifice is propitious, appropriate for what was lost, and serves as a means of appeasing Jehovah’s standard of justice.
The ransom appeases Jehovah's standard of justice and, as mentioned at the end of the paragraph, opens the door for humans to be reconciled with God. Otherwise, it would not be possible for humans to have a relationship, even a friendship, with Jehovah if it were not for this ransom that makes it possible for God's justice to permit it.
It can be said that this ransom makes it possible for even faithful people or servants of Jehovah who died before his Son, because Jehovah knew and was convinced that this ransom would be paid, to also have the opportunity to be reconciled with Jehovah.
Jehovah knew that Jesus would accomplish his purpose. As Isaiah 46:10 says: “From the beginning, I foretell the end, and from long ago, things that have not yet been done. I say: ‘My decision will stand, and I will do whatever I want.’” His desire was for people to live as in Eden.
Romans 3:23-26 explains it very well. Verse 23 presents the problem: all have sinned and, therefore, fall short of God’s glory. But verse 24 speaks of a gift: Jehovah’s undeserved kindness, which, because of that kindness, is presented as an offering that reconciles mankind to God and enables us to receive Jehovah’s approval. Furthermore, as verse 25 says, this demonstrates Jehovah’s justice, because he does not omit his righteous standards.
Isaiah 46:10, in its final part, says: “My decision will stand, and I will do whatever I please.” The breach opened by Adam and Eve’s sin will remain until the end of our days. But Jehovah’s decision to send his Son to redeem mankind in place of our sins is worth everything, especially when we choose to be his witnesses.
We know that Jehovah, through this foundation, was able to have a good relationship with human beings, because in Genesis 15:6 we are told that Abraham put his faith in him, and Jehovah considered him righteous.
16. What else can we reflect on before attending the Memorial this year? (See also the image.)
Before attending this year’s Memorial, we can reflect on the effect that reconciling with God has had on our lives. For example, we can call Jehovah “Father,” as Jesus taught us, and also acknowledge him as our friend. However, we must always do so with humility and deep respect, because we are imperfect.
If we can feel close to Jehovah and have a good relationship with him, it is not because of our own merit, but solely thanks to the ransom. Through Jesus, Jehovah made it possible to “reconcile to himself all things,” as mentioned at Colossians 1:19, 20.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We can reflect on the fact that we have been reconciled with Jehovah and can now have a beautiful relationship with him. For example, we can call him Father, which would not be possible on our own merits, since we are imperfect, and we can also say that he is our friend. All of this is thanks to that sacrifice, which opened the door for us to have this relationship with Jehovah. It is an impressive thing to meditate on before the Memorial.
We can reflect on the fact that Jehovah established peace through his Son. In other words, we need to understand why Jehovah did this for us, giving up his own Son. This reflects what Jehovah desires for mankind: to offer a precious sacrifice on their behalf.
Jehovah wants us to feel valued, and his Word and actions constantly reflect how much he loves us. But, as we have seen, we should not take this for granted either. That is why it is good to think and meditate, especially at this time, on the fact that it is thanks to the ransom that we can have this reconciliation with Jehovah. In this way, we can find a balance: feeling valued and loved by God, but also recognizing our debt and being grateful that Jehovah has allowed us to have a relationship with him.
It couldn't have been easy for Jehovah to witness the scene depicted in the image. He could have changed everything in a fraction of a second or done something else entirely, but instead, he had to watch as the one he loved most in this world was killed in order to establish that relationship with us. That's something we should reflect on.
Looking at Jesus' expression in the picture, it's very difficult to imagine exactly what was going through his mind. But undoubtedly, the weight of that responsibility, his love for humankind despite what they were about to do to him, and the fact that all of this was to draw humanity closer to Jehovah, is incredible. We can reflect on those brief seconds before his life on earth ended, which are, without a doubt, a testament to the great love of Jesus and Jehovah.
We can reflect on the magnificent example of Jesus. He, through his actions, hallowed his Father's name. To hallow means to honor, that is, to deeply respect and protect the reputation of someone who has been falsely accused. Thus, Jesus Christ, through his actions, not only vindicated and honored his Father's name, but also gave us the example so that we can all do the same.
Now that the commemoration of Jesus' death is approaching, we can reflect on all that Jesus did to vindicate his Father's name and what we are doing to follow in his footsteps.
ILLUSTRATION
Two Roman soldiers lead Jesus towards the torture stake while another soldier waits for them with a hammer and a nail in his hands.
Jesus’ death is the legal basis for Jehovah to restore his good relationship with humans. (See paragraph 16.)
SHOWS THAT JEHOVAH IS MERCIFUL
17. Why does the ransom clearly show that Jehovah is merciful? (Ephesians 2:4, 5)
The ransom clearly shows that Jehovah “is rich in mercy” because, even though we were “dead because of our trespasses,” he made us alive. He responds to the cry of those who have “the right attitude for everlasting life,” who recognize that they are trapped under the rubble of inherited sin and need to be rescued. Jehovah provides them with help through the Kingdom message so that they can come to know him and his Son.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
For, as we read at Ephesians 2:4-5, Jehovah gave us life when we were dead because of our sins. The opening illustration of The Watchtower shows a man trapped under rubble. If no one comes to rescue him, that man, even though he is alive, eventually dies. Likewise, we are trapped under the rubble of sin and also need to be rescued. Jehovah has come to our aid through a ransom that has enabled us to be reconciled to him and thus finally freed from sin.
If we think about it carefully, we realize that not a single drop of Jesus Christ's blood was for himself, because he committed no sin. That is, there was nothing for him to forgive or correct. So, for whom was his blood? It was so that we could have a good relationship with Jehovah. Otherwise, that legal basis would not have been possible. This clearly demonstrates how merciful Jehovah is.
Because the fact that we can have eternal life, be reconciled to Jehovah, and receive forgiveness of our sins through the sacrifice of his Son is a great demonstration of how merciful Jehovah is.
We can say that the ransom is like a powerful magnetic north, and Jehovah has given us a compass that no one can misdirect. This compass guides us toward that north, and we know how many people, even those with ample resources, have strayed and will not be able to reach the good end that the ransom has set for us: everlasting life.
18. When meditating on the rescue, what should we not forget?
When meditating on the ransom, we must not forget that there is a more important matter that goes beyond personal benefits. Jehovah did not give this gift merely to save us, but to answer the challenge that Satan issued in the garden of Eden.
Through the ransom, Jehovah sanctifies his name, cleanses his reputation, frees us from sin and death, and demonstrates that he is a God of love. Moreover, by virtue of his undeserved kindness, he enables us, even in our imperfection, to contribute to answering Satan’s challenge.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Something we must not forget is that there is a much more important matter at stake: the gift that Jehovah gave us was not only to save us, but also as an answer to the challenge that Satan launched in the garden of Eden.
We must not forget that the ransom is also the means Jehovah has established as the basis for sanctifying his holy name. In this way, we too can do our part to answer the questions raised in the garden of Eden.
The fact that we can contribute our small part, even despite our imperfection, to answer Satan’s challenge is a tremendous privilege and an opportunity to make Jehovah happy, as Proverbs 27:11 so aptly puts it. If we want to live up to these words and make Jehovah’s heart happy, it is important that we be wise, that is, that we be prepared, training our heart and examining ourselves regularly.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
How does redemption make the forgiveness of our sins possible?
The ransom makes the forgiveness of our sins possible because it provides Jehovah with the legal basis that his perfect justice requires to forgive us. Jesus' death gives Jehovah a valid reason to forgive our sins.
The ransom allows Jehovah to show mercy and declare us righteous, demonstrating his willingness to forgive, just as his Word teaches. Thanks to the ransom, we do not need to torment ourselves by dwelling on past sins, and we can trust that Jehovah will cleanse us from our sins if we “walk in the light.”
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because it provides Jehovah with the legal basis for his perfect justice. Furthermore, Jesus’ death gives Jehovah a valid reason to forgive our sins. In this way, Jehovah demonstrates his mercy by forgiving us, just as the Bible says.
How does rescue make our physical and emotional healing possible?
Rescue makes our physical and emotional healing possible because it gives us hope that imperfection and its consequences, which affect both our body and our feelings, will be eliminated.
Thanks to the rescue, we can have hope that, in the new world, when we reach perfection, we will no longer suffer from physical, mental, or emotional illnesses, nor will we be tormented by negative feelings.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We too have inherited from Adam and Eve the same feelings of physical and emotional suffering. But in the new world, when we reach perfection, we will not suffer physical, mental, or emotional illness, nor will we be tormented by feelings of guilt, anxiety, pain, or shame, thanks to the redemption.
How does rescue make reconciliation possible?
The ransom makes reconciliation possible because it serves as a bridge between humans and Jehovah. Since Adam and Eve sinned, we have been separated from God, as his perfect justice does not allow him to approve of sin. Jesus’ death, as a “reconciliation sacrifice,” appeases Jehovah’s standard of justice and provides him with the legal basis for restoring his good relationship with us.
Thanks to the ransom, Jehovah can consider us righteous and allow us to approach him, even though we are imperfect. This enables us to call him “Father” and approach him as friends, not because of our own merit, but solely because of Jesus’ sacrifice, which opened the door for our reconciliation with God.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because of the sin of Adam and Eve, there is a chasm between God and us. On our own, we could not have a relationship with Jehovah, but He Himself has provided the ransom to create that bridge that makes reconciliation possible.
Comments
Post a Comment