I’ve been redeemed (repeat)
By the blood of the lamb (repeat)
Filled with the Holy Ghost I am
All my sins are washed away
I’ve been redeemed
That’s the short version.
A longer version is Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray. Published in 1955, it qualified for Tim Challie’s Reading Classics Together, which is where I discovered it.
The first section of the book, Redemption Accomplished, explains Christ’s atoning work—its necessity, nature, perfection, and extent.
The second section, Redemption Applied, details the series of acts and processes that comprise redemption. These ten chapters include: calling, regeneration, faith & repentance, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance, union with Christ, and glorification.
Murray packs a lot of theology into this little book. I agreed with his scriptural interpretations in many spots, but not all (like glorification). In other areas he disturbed the water of my thoughts (like calling and justification), and forced me to rethink my previously-held opinions.
Overall, if you want a deeper understanding of this important tenet of the Christian faith, read this little classic. It will be time well-spent.
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And be on the lookout for Tim’s next classic book to read together. He hasn’t failed me yet in his choices, which so far have been: Real Christianity, Mere Christianity, and The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment (the #1 book I read in 2009!).
