~Ephesians 5:15-16 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

What an exhortation this is! The Apostle Paul is directing to be wise and take the Gospel to all we can for the times are quite evil! People need the Lord, amen? Noah Webster defines “redeeming” as:

“REDEE’MING, ppr. Ransoming; procuring deliverance from captivity, capture, bondage, sin, distress or liability to suffer, by the payment of an equivalent.”

~Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Twice the Apostle Paul tells us to be wise and to redeem the time. Christ procured our salvation with a great price: His own blood. Only He can deliver us from our captivity – only He can free us from the bondage of sin – only He can redeem us from the penalty of Hell – only He could pay the price for all mankind. There is only one way and that is through Christ (John 14:6).

We who have accepted His gift of salvation and have been redeemed, praise God! Although we are walking in newness of life (2 Cor. 5:17), we are not perfect. We have an on-going work to do and this is to be wise through the Scriptures which contain God’s words to mankind. We are to take full advantage of the time we have here on this earth to grow wise, walk in the Word’s wisdom and share with others this beautiful and wonderful plan of salvation.

This salvation is great – it is a gift – it is free. It is not wrought by human hands but only by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. No work on our part can achieve salvation (Eph. 2:8-10) and no work on our part can keep it, otherwise it is no longer a gift. A gift cannot be worked for or purchased.

~Acts 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Let us redeem the time during these evil days and tell others the wonderful news of the Gospel of Christ.