"The Redeemed" -3

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:11-14) Okay, I know that some may not quite get the idea of Jesus having redeemed all men unto Himself, because not everyone will be counted with the redeemed. Yet, the point to what He has done, was to come and to die once and for all for the whole world; all of mankind was to be included. The word 'redeem' that is used by Paul in the above letter to Titus, is the word 'lutroo', which is taken from the word 'lutron' which means ransom; however, the difference with the word 'lutroo' is that it is an action verb used of him who receives, not of him who gives the ransom. Christ died for the whole world to be saved; thus, what this word denotes is the aspect of the Saviour's work wherein He appears as the Redeemer of mankind from bondage. "For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:17 & 18) There will be no excuse for those who do not accept His act of redemption, seeing that He has provided it for all to receive! But wait; what about that guy? surely He did not die for that guy's sins; they are so bad! No, you don't understand God's gift of grace and mercy; which is not based upon what man has done, whether good or bad; but is only based upon what Jesus has done in having removed all iniquity and the bondage of the Law. You can think of the most unrighteous person that you know, and whether you like it or not, even that person can receive Salvation!!! All that they need to do is to receive it!!! It is meant for them, as much as it is meant for you and me...