I have also established My covenant with them.
A true pattern of gospel redemption
I. That gospel redemption comes to the soul after a period of moral bondage and distress.
1. It finds the soul in a condition of moral bondage. “Whom the Egyptians keep in bondage.” It is the bondage of sin. It has been long continued, through many years of our lives. It has been degrading. It has been fruitless to ourselves. Almost hopeless.
2. It finds the soul in a condition of anxious grief. “I have also heard the groaning,” etc. Tears of repentance. Cries for pardon.
3. It is generally preceded by some Christian agency. Aim of ministry to awaken desire for moral freedom.
II. That gospel redemption comes to the soul by virtue of a Divine covenant and promise. “I have remembered,” etc.
1. God through Christ has made a covenant of salvation with all who trust in the atonement.
2. By virtue of this covenant, all contrite and believing souls may find rest in and pardon from God.
3. This covenant is--
(1) Unique.
(2) Merciful.
(3) Of long standing.
III. That gospel redemption brings the soul into holy and responsible relationship to God. “And I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you a God” (Exodus 6:7).
1. It constitutes the soul a Divine possession
2. It places the soul under the peculiar guardianship of the Infinite.
IV. That gospel redemption leads the faithful into the inheritance of Canaan. What a change! All things are yours. (J. S. Exell, M. A.)
Reasons for human redemption
I. The burden of man is a reason for human redemption. No human hand, but Christ alone, can remove it.
II. The Lordship of Christ is a reason for human redemption. He only could fulfil violated law; forgive past neglect; and enable us to keep it in future.
III. The covenant of God is a reason for human redemption. (J. S. Exell, M. A.)
God’s covenant to His people
1. Stated.
2. Settled.
3. Kept.
4. Happy.
5. Restful.