.which is it? Because as True Believers you can only be one of these things or only carry one of these titles, you cannot in Truth carry the other, its impossible!

Some of you may ask the question: Is there any difference? I will answer: there most assuredly is. In fact the difference is so vast, it is like a chasm that makes the Grand Canyon look like a ditch or a dyke. Oh come on I hear some of you say, but I say yes its true what I say.

Ok so lets get to it, what is the difference? The difference is wrapped up in the use this term redeemed sinner for in reality this term is an identity tag or a label. If as a True Believer you go around telling people you are a redeemed sinner you are giving them a confused image, signal or idea because they could come back at you with the question: well are you redeemed or are you a sinner - are you still a sinner or are you redeemed? Now this is a very pertinent question and one that any non-believer would be entitled to ask. The issue here is how would you answer them and what explanation would you give them?

The name tag redeemed sinner which many Christians carry around like a cloud and in most cases without even knowing the meaning, keeps them in bondage and slavery to guilt. I have already said that it would confuse non-believers, but what does it do to those who carry this title or identity? Simple, it confuses them too whether consciously or sub-consciously or worse, both. Many of you will have heard it used hundreds of times and never seriously considered the implications of its use. So, without further ado here is the profound but simple explanation.

If you are born again - a true believer then you are redeemed or saved - period. Our Lords sacrifice was a redemptive sacrifice and through His sacrifice all our sins - past, present and future; were dealt with at the cross. This though is only half of the deal for His Resurrection gave all of us; all those who believe in Him and express that belief through Faith in action, a new identity. I cannot emphasise this Truth enough for it is crucial to your spiritual wellbeing and welfare.

If we are redeemed sinners then we are neither one thing nor the other and its no use using the excuse that we need to be reminded of our wicked past when our Father in heaven has not only forgiven our sins but forgotten them as well. Psalm 103:11-12 states: For as the heaven is high above the earth [so] great is the mercy toward them that fear (love and revere) Him. As far as the east is from the west [so] far hath He removed our transgressions? If He has forgotten our past why do we need to remind ourselves of our past through this nasty little name tag'

The answer to this is we are Redeemed, plain and simple, nothing more and nothing less. Our sinful past is behind us - gone forever. We now have a new identity Son or Daughter of God, a Royal Priest, Brother and Friend of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Have you noticed the absence of the word sinner from these wonderful titles? Now you must begin to see yourselves in this new positive light, for that is where you are now walking - in the Light. For The Light is Jesus Christ and He walks with us and in us through The Holy Spirit.

Charles Crosby