(3.) They are raised to a position far above a mere pardon. We learned when we studied the case of Ruth that the redeemed are not merely delivered from ruin, but brought to a position of the highest possible honour, for the ransomed Church becomes the Bride of the Redeemer, and is identified with Christ Himself. So here you observe that the redeemed are not merely forgiven, but they are raised to new honours, new powers, new service, and new glory. ‘Thou hast made us unto our God kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth.’ I have not time to dwell on the sacred blessedness of that royal priesthood. It combines the honours of the king and the service of the priest. It is a kind of reflection of the double office of the Lord Himself, of whom it is said, ‘He shall sit and rule upon his throne, and shall be a priest upon his throne.’ The redeemed are made kings under Him to govern, and priests in Him, and through Him, to present a holy service unto God. Do not be satisfied, therefore, to let your mind dwell exclusively on the first elementary subject of forgiveness. I know the importance of it, and know well that there can be no such thing as peace until you can trust for a pardon. But I am speaking to those who can trust for forgiveness, who have learned the power of redeeming blood, and who are now resting in the assurance of the blotting out of sin. To them I say, Go forward, and accept your new position, acknowledge your high calling, carry out your royal priesthood, and never forget that you are anointed, and set apart as kings and priests unto God. (4.) This leads me to the fourth point, that we are redeemed unto God. We found from the study of St. Paul’s words to Titus that our most blessed Saviour redeemed us to be a peculiar, or special people unto Himself, so that all God’s redeemed are sanctified, or set apart, unto Him. This is exactly what is taught in the hymn of heaven, for there we learn that we are redeemed, not merely from sin, but unto God. ‘Thou hast redeemed us unto God by thy blood.’ ‘We are made kings and priests unto God.’ It is true of the believer, as it is of the Lord Jesus Himself, that ‘In that he liveth he liveth unto God.’ By atonement every barrier is broken down, and the way of access laid open even to the very throne of God Himself; and by the call of the Holy Ghost we are set apart unto God, to bear His name, to live as His sons, to do His will, to act as His witnesses, and to be as it were His representatives in the midst of a wicked world. We are not redeemed simply in order that we may be saved, but in order also that God may be glorified. As God’s chosen people we are brought near to God Himself, in order that we may go forth into life, to glorify His name. * * * * *