In one of the most unusual books in the Bible, God commanded Hosea to marry a harlot, who later returned to that wicked way of life. God then commanded him to take her back through the process of redemption which is a great subject to study (Hosea 3:2).
First, the need for redemption. God did not give Hosea this command for no reason. He was letting Hosea graphically live out the relationship He sustained with Israel. They had turned away from Him because of idolatry, but He had not given up on them.
Second, the mechanism for redemption. We are bought back or purchased from sin through the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 9:12). This was graciously provided by God (Romans 3:24). Although hundreds of years had passed, God still cared for and loved His creation. He loved it enough to send His only begotten Son (John 3:16).
Third, the end of redemption. Just as Hosea commanded Gomer to not play the harlot any longer, when God redeems us from sin, we are to no longer sin (Romans 6:6-7). Having been redeemed from it, we look forward to the time when we are delivered up to the Father and receive that resurrection body (1 Corinthians 15:35-50).
Have you been bought back from sin? If you have not, it could not be a simpler process. You must have faith (John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6), repent of your sins (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:10), and be baptized into Christ (John 3:3, 5; Colossians 2:11-12).
Kyle Campbell
