Power to Redeem

Several years ago, Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. spoke about Christ’s power of redemption in general conference. He taught, “‘To redeem’ is to buy or to buy back. As a legal matter, property is redeemed by paying off the mortgages or other liens on it. In Old Testament times, the law of Moses provided different ways that servants and property could be freed, or redeemed, by the payment of money.” He continued, “The theme of Jehovah redeeming the people of Israel from bondage is repeated many times in the scriptures. Often this is done to remind the people of the Lord’s goodness in delivering the children of Israel from the Egyptians. But it is also done to teach them that there would be another, more important, redemption for Israel. Lehi taught, ‘And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall’ (2 Nephi 2:26).” He redeemed us by purchasing us with His blood, for as Paul taught, “Ye are bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 7:23). I was reminded recently of the concept in economics that the value a commodity is what someone is willing to pay for it. We are therefore each of great value because of what the Savior was willing to pay for us: His infinite atonement. He described the price He paid this way: “I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19). The previous revelation also connected our value with what He was willing to pay for it: “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10-11). We were bought—redeemed—with an infinite price to show that we are indeed of great worth.

                One of Isaiah’s favorite names for Jehovah is Redeemer, and he used it to emphasize His ability to help Israel in all their troubles. Thus the redemption is not just about saving us our two biggest problems of sin and death, but He also can help pay the price to help us get out of our everyday difficulties and challenges. He wrote, “Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go” (Isaiah 48:17). The Lord will turn our spiritual debt into profit, redeeming us from sin and bringing us salvation. The prophet also wrote, “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 41:13-14). He wanted Israel to know that He would help them; He has the spiritual currency to help redeem us in our most difficult problems. I love this declaration: “For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called…. With everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer…. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.” He will not run out of ability to help and redeem us. He has spiritual “sapphires” to offer us peace and comfort and aid in all our distress (Isaiah 54:5-10).

                Helaman taught his sons about the Redeemer in these words: “And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls. And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation” (Helaman 5:11-12). He wanted them and future generations to remember that the Savior has power to redeem us, and as we repent we will feel His help and know that we are indeed of great worth because of Him.