examples of redemption in the bible
When he awoke he cursed generations yet to be born (Genesis 9:24). His brothers were jealous of him, so they got rid of him by selling him to Midanties and he ended up in Egypt. 2. the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt. We beat ourselves up and think of thoughts not according to the will of God. Viral Believer is reader-supported. 4 Some examples of redemption include slaves obtaining their freedom, people receiving back their properties that they sold due to poverty, 3 and prisoners of war being released. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. 10 Things You Need to Know about the Number 666, 10 Books of the Bible You Should Read Again and Again, 10 Most Encouraging Bible Verses That Will Uplift Your Heart and Soul, 5 Things That Hurt Relationships with Grandkids, 30 Morning Prayers to Start Each Day with God, How to Have Joy in Your Golden Years Despite These 10 Life Losses, 4 Things You Should Know about Big George Foreman, 8 Ways You Are Belittling Your Husband and What God Says about It, Maybe Money Can Buy Happiness, but Not Joy. Ruth then became the foreigner in a strange land. You can see this in the Bible, too. The Old Testament. To be redeemed in the Bible means you are forgiven for your sins. The father gladly welcomed him home, not as a servant, but as a son. those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south. In prison, God gave much authority to Joseph in leading the other prisoners. Creation & new creation - The Bible is a story that runs from creation in Genesis to new creation in Revelation. O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood! The use of . It is upon this platform that the resulting idea of being free from obligation is built. He was leaving home. My goal is to help and equip Christian women like you to live for Jesus by following Matthew 22:37-39: to love God, to love yourself, and to love others. It can help you have compassion in ways you never dreamed. that a death having taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, they that have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. As in the two former references, the ransom price has been paid in the death of Christ and Christ Himself is constituted the mediator of a new covenant thereby. We can do this with gentleness and kindness: But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Jesus declared that salvation had come to Zacchaeus house because he had been redeemed. (NIV), Romans 3:23-24for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 89027, Redemption of Israel from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 6:6), Redemption of King David (2 Samuel 12:13; Psalm 51:10-12), Redemption through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7), Redemption of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), Redemption of Paul the Apostle (Acts 9:1-22), Understanding the Key of David: A Biblical Perspective, The Process Church of The Final Judgment: A Closer Look. We should continually strive to grow closer to God and become more like Jesus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. But, there was another family member who was an even closer relative. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Bible is full of examples of redemption, showcasing the hope and new life that is available to all who turn to God in faith. He had spent it all on entertainment and frivolity. Ephesians 1:14 may be construed in the same sense where the Holy Spirit is referred to as an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of Gods own possession, unto the praise of his glory. Leon Morris13 thinks this should be interpreted in the same light as Ephesians 1:7 which speaks of redemption through the blood of Christ. A feast was made. David now works as Director of Deaf Ministries for his mission board. ", Numbers 24:17 - "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.". God made dis-tinct things such as animals, birds, fish, and humans. No man is able to live up to the law perfectly. Consequently, longing for a better world, even a perfect world, is not a form of escapism. In the end, God restored Jobs fortunes and blessed him even more than before. God is the ultimate redeemer, saving his chosen ones from sin, evil, trouble, bondage, and death. Is there ongoing tension in your marriage? 22-24. After the fall, Adam and Eves oldest son proved remarkably adept at navigating through life. How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? At the house he saw the potter make a pot that was not quite to his liking. Bible Stories, "Evangelical Dictionary of Theology"). He gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons in obedience to the Lord, just as the Lord commanded Moses. Theologians have differed over the means by which Adams sin has been passed down to every person but the reality of death provides sufficient confirmation that no one is exempt (Romans 5:12). He didnt curse God or turn away from him, but leaned more into God and stood in who God is. The Story of Paul What Does It Mean to Be Redeemed in the Bible? Noah is such a man who, in the midst of a moral sewer, managed to find favor in Gods eyes (Genesis 6:8). Jesus saw him and invited himself to Zacchaeus house for dinner. Christ redeemed us in this sense so that we belong to Him. God provided for them with food and everything they needed when they had nothing. Ruths husband died, and she decided to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi instead of returning to her own family. Just as God redeemed us, we are called to help others find redemption through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Redemption (pronouncedree DEMP shun) is the act of buying something back or paying a price or ransom to return something to your possession. Worship, not worry, will characterize the family of God in a world without end. The advent of the redemptionist doctrine began with . Job is another character in the Bible whose story we can see God redeeming. Redemption brings new life and freedom. (ESV). Realize that the sufferings of this world are temporary. The belief is that metanarratives of the past contain controlling stories that have failed us. by Dr. Anthony Chute). When we view people through the lens of being fallen (instead of expecting them to live as if they were fully redeemed), we can be more sympathetic. Rather, it is the Christians rightful anticipation of a promise made by the One who justly pronounced a curse on this world and then lovingly took that curse upon Himself in order to redeem people for His glory. The Story of Job 3. The Redemption of Humanity and Creation The second major concept in the Bible is that Yahweh, as a relational God, desires to redeem humanity and creation so He might again dwell with and bless them. He was responsible for spreading the true Gospel of Jesus throughout the known world in his time. One means to buy or purchase. Even as a foreigner, this redemption into the family of Israel put Ruth into the lineage of King David and the Lord Jesus Christ. God redeemed his story and pain by giving him more than he had lost. In the context, in Galatians 3:10 the thought is brought out, based on a quotation from Deuteronomy 27:26, that everyone is cursed who does not perfectly keep the law. Romans 5:8-11 specifies, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. It is apparent that the boy did not have a good relationship with his father. Redemptionism: The doctrine that all of humanity was redeemed (i.e., saved, sanctified) through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and asserting that the redemption of all was completed and concluded in his resurrection. One of the most common and definitive terms for redemption is the use of the word ten times in the New Testament (Luke 21:28; Rom 3:24; 8:23 ; 1 Cor 1:30; Eph 1:7, 14; 4:30 ; Col 1:14; Heb 9:15; 11:35 ). The use of . The ultimate example of redemption in the Bible is through Jesus Christ. Fundamental to the message of the New Testament is the announcement that Jesus of Nazareth is the fulfillment of Israel's messianic hope and that, in him, the long-awaited redemption has arrived. Redemption Has Four Different Meanings In The Bible: Monetary Redemption, Avenger-Redemption, the "Kinsman" Redemption, and the Spiritual Redemption. And God spoke all these words: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery" (verse 2). The Hebrew root words used most often for the concept of redemption are pada, gaal, and kapar. What Does It Mean to Be Redeemed in the Bible? Christ gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works. Here the ransom is that of Christ giving Himself for us ( ). Boaz approached the closer kinsman with the willingness to assume the responsibility for the family and the right to marry Ruth. God wants to communicate this story to us through His Word. Jesus took your place on the cross so all your sins are forgiven, even though you dont deserve it. Though not found in connection with the purchase and freedom of slaves, Morris after Deissmann believes that this idea may be involved, because of the use of , meaning price, with this verb in 1 Corinthians 6:20 and 7:23 which is a common word used in the purchase of slaves.2. When theologians talk about God creating "ex nihilo" Respond to Gods grace in your life by offering grace to others. Galatians 4:4-5 gives added support in stating that Christ was born of a woman, born under the law (Gal 4:5). Many of us can greatly relate to Pauls story and see ourselves in him. He first declares, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery" ( Deut. The book of Exodus tells the story of how God redeemed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. When we are redeemed, we are set free from our past sins and given a new start in life. The bishops are entrusted with that which cost God the death of His own Son. The Bible is full of stories about redemption. We are all affected and afflicted by the fall. Night will no longer exist, and people will not need lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will give them light. God redeemed Isaac with this ram. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of Gods grace (Ephesians 1:7, NIV). Even Cains descendants were known for their creative prowess, including advancements in shepherding livestock, playing musical instruments and developing sturdy weaponry (Genesis 4:20-22). The older man had been watching and waiting for his sons return. So, how was your day today? You should then tell of his wondrous ways, sharing what he did for you so others can know he is also the answer for their pain. However, life is not as it should be in this fallen world. The Story of Ruth 4. Gods ownership over Israel means that He cares for them. Motivated by love, Boaz saved Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi from a hopeless situation. The use of . You are following his plan for your life now, and he can redeem the things that happened to you, using them for his glory. redemption. There are many examples of restoration in the Bible that can bring encouragement to your heart and show you that no matter what your story looks like God can bring great things from it. We have hope because God Himself has promised to redeem all of creation. As you read these redemption stories you can see one, two, or all three of these meanings in each of them. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. By examining these stories, we will gain a deeper understanding of the concept of redemption and how it applies to our lives as Christians. (NIV), Ephesians 1:7-8In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Im so thankful that he paid it all for us. by Charmaine Belonio. Examples of this in the Old Testament include: - The 70 elders who aided Moses (Numbers 11:24-27)- The judge of Israel Othneil (Judges 3:10)- Gideon when he went against the Midianites ()- King Saul, the spirit eventually departed from him (1 Samuel 16:14-23)- King David (1 Samuel 16:13)When Jesus had an earthly ministry, the Holy Spirit was present at His baptism in the form of a dove, one of . Mesquite NV. Chute co-edited and contributed to Why We Belong: Evangelical Unity and Denominational Diversity (Crossway, 2013) and co-authored The Baptist Story: From English Sect to Global Movement(B&H Academic, 2015), now a standard textbook in Baptist history. Isaiah 61 - Click the Bible chapter to read the full text. op. The fact that believers are in a special relationship to God as those purchased by the death of Christ is made the theme of the new song that is sung in heaven recorded in Revelation 5:9: Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation. Here specifically the death of Christ is the price that was paid. Eternal Insecurity Once I Was Saved, But Now Am Lost? When we put our faith in Jesus, we are redeemed and forgiven. He does not make their obedience a condition of his love. bible, His story included many hardships. The combined force of , , and is that of (1) purchase, (2) of being bought off the market, not subject to resale, and (3) of a possession regarded as precious in the sight of the Lord. Jesus refused to condemn her and instead told her to go and sin no more. Ananias, a Christian, was sent by God to pray for Saul and restore his sight. Romans 3:24 states: Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ. Here the great fact of justification without cost to the believer through the grace of God is made possible by the ransom price, i.e., the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. This is specified in verse twenty-five as being accomplished by the propitiation of Christ through faith in or by His blood. By studying these stories, we can gain a deeper understanding of the concept of redemption and how it applies to our lives as Christians. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"e0QwfISvGbZiMI2_SiwNpDgnusiX12q21rHrvbPU_ng-1800-0"}; Thus, instead of bearing a grudge against them we should recognize the need to point them to their Redeemer. Redemption should be a continuous process in the life of a believer. In the story of Ruth, Boaz was a kinsman-redeemer, taking on the responsibility to provide children through Ruth for her deceased husband, a relative of Boaz. Though the Bible recognizes that fallen people may make positive contributions to the world as a whole, the Bible is quite clear that no one can contribute anything positive to their own redemption (Romans 3:23-28). We will break Gods heart again and again. These stories of deliverance in the Bible show you that God can redeem your story too, no matter what you have gone through. All of creation groans, longing for redemption. Josephs family came to Egypt during the famine in the land. Because of a famine in the land he was in an even more desperate situation. This article was taken from the Theological Journal Library CD and posted with permission of Galaxie Software. Morris cites Delitzsch, and even Bushnell and Manson, as agreeing that substitution is the inescapable meaning of this text.5. The clear force of substitution involved in all of these instances gives added emphasis to previous revelation of this truth and should assure the believer of the great accomplishment wrought by Christ in His death. 2 . Yahweh demonstrated this primarily through the creation of the Garden of Eden and the covenants that He made with humanity. But up until that time Saul did not believe that Jesus was the Redeemer promised by God. There was no further need for scriptural fulfillment thereafter. Luke 1:30-32 - "And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Redemption can also refer to buying something back. In the New Testament, redemption requires the payment of a price, but the plight that requires such a ransom is moral, not material. Ephesians 1:7 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace Read Chapter All Versions Galatians 1:4 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, Read Chapter All Versions Galatians 2:20 Luke 21:28 refers to the fact that at the second coming your redemption draweth nigh. Romans 8:23 states that we are waiting for our adoption, to wit, the redemption of our bodies. This seems to refer to resurrection of the body. We are forgiven, but God is not finished with us yet (Philippians 1:6). And then the commandments begin: "You shall have no other gods before me" (verse 3). You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:20, NIV). Like the high priest of old who entered into the holy place after offering sacrifice on the altar, so Christ, having offered His own blood and in virtue of His finished work, entered into the holy place. Redemption is the English translation of the Greek word agorazo, meaning "to purchase in the marketplace." The Bible calls Boaz the kinsman redeemer. Despite his difficult story, God had good things for Joseph and redeemed his past for good. Arndt and Gingrich, op. Of these only Hebrews 9:12 is of significance in the doctrine of redemption. But he neither wanted the responsibility nor the right. "What Does Redemption Mean?" There will be no trees that trick or serpents that tempt. Whatever you have been through in your story, God can redeem it and can make something beautiful out of it. If you like what you're reading, you can get free daily updates through the RSS feed here. The curse, however, is not a curse of God, but the curse of the broken law. Biblical redemption centers on God. As a close relative, the second man had the responsibility to care for Naomi and Ruth. (NIV), Galatians 3:13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." , This May Be The Most Creative Marriage Proposal Yet, 4 Things to Remember When You Step Outside of Gods Will, 3 Reasons to Love Like Youve Never Been Hurt, 3 Things to Consider When Gods Answer is No. There is rejoicing in heaven over their salvation. In a word, this fallen world will be redeemed. On the road to Damascus, Saul of Tarsus encountered the Lord. The Bible thus describes our common plight: we are dead in our trespasses and sins and we are by nature children under wrath (Ephesians 2:1,3). There, he worked for Potiphar, where he was accused of doing a horrible thing to. The Bible tells us that Manasseh was one of the evilest kings in the history of Judah. All glory to him! His brothers were jealous of him, so they got rid of him by selling him to Midanties and he ended up in Egypt. Jesus took your place on the cross so all your sins are forgiven, even though you don't deserve it. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. Best of all, God will dwell with his people (Revelation 22:3). Naomi had a relative named Boaz, who was a wealthy landowner. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His slaves will serve Him. Another word translated redeemed means to buy something from something for another purpose. These stories include the redemption of Israel from slavery in Egypt, the redemption of Ruth by Boaz, and the redemption of Paul the Apostle. This later (in Gods timing) led him to recommend Joseph to interpret Pharaohs dream. He does this by giving us many smaller stories that illustrate the wonderful truth of the redemption provided through His Son, Jesus Christ. God likened the pot to the people of Israel. After a time he ran out of money. The ultimate example of redemption in the Bible is through Jesus Christ. So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Learn Religions, Aug. 28, 2020, learnreligions.com/what-is-redemption-700693. Cain married a woman and loved their son (Genesis 4:17). They will never feel pain or cause others to experience hurt of any kind as their tears have been eternally wiped away (Revelation 21:4). The dictionary defines redemption as: 1. the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil. Redemption The redeemed of the lord Redemption Manifests the Love and pity of God Redemption God the author of Of land and persons Redemption When redemption will be near Redemption They who partake of Praise God for Redemption They who partake of Are zealous of good works Redemption Is of God Romans 3:23. As a curse rests upon everyone who does not comply fully with the law, it was necessary for Christ to die and take the curse upon Himself. In addition to this argument, Paul points out that justification is by faith and not by the law in any event. Luke 27-28At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. He is considered perhaps the world's foremost interpreter of biblical prophecy.John is perhaps best known for his bestselling work on Bible prophecy, Armageddon More. 1. There are many. As I read through this article, my heart was so grateful to know that all has been paid for. Zavada, Jack. In 2 Peter 2:1 the same expression is used in describing false prophets as those who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. The denial of the fact of the purchase of Christ is therefore described as a heresy of such proportions as to bring its teachers under the swift judgment of God. The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. When life gets hard we tend to say that we need a break. Seek him and stay faithful to him so you can see him do it. Those who would repent of their sins and believe in the warnings of Noah were welcome to board the ark before the flood waters began to fall. The cultural mandate has been fulfilled. Hence, the conclusion of Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? 1 Cf. After 120 years of preaching the only people who stepped onto the ark were Noah and his family. Prior to their rebellion, Adam and Eve had unbroken fellowship with God, unparalleled intimacy with each other and undisturbed enjoyment in their Edenic environment. The third Greek word connected with redemption is lutroo, meaning "to obtain release by the payment of a price." 9 Cf. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth. (Ruth 4:14-15, NIV). Isaiah 53 - Click the Bible chapter to read the full text. Deliverance of humankind from its state of alienation from God has been accomplished through the death and resurrection of Christ (Rom 4:25; 2 Cor 5:18-19). . The believer is set free by the ransom paid by Christ on the cross. Job 15:25-27 - "Because he has stretched out his hand against God and defies the Almighty, running stubbornly against him with a thickly bossed shield; because he has covered his face with his fat and gathered fat upon his waist". He has started several deaf ministries in various countries and established a deaf church in Mexico. of This is the man who we call the Apostle Paul. The meaning of the third verb, kapar, is to cover. Naomi encouraged Ruth to approach Boaz and ask him to be her kinsman-redeemer, which meant that he would marry her and take care of her. If we want others to share in our story of redemption, we do this best when we live in light our future redemption. Thats the reality as long as we are human and living inour earthly bodies. To every believer the promise of God; Samuel Crossman, "My Song Is Love Unknown": They rise and needs will have My dear Lord made away; A murderer they save, The Prince of life they slay. Job was a righteous man who did not deserve to suffer, but he did not understand why God was allowing it. Of the ten instances in which is found in the New Testament, all but one are clear references to redemption in Christ and fully substantiate the idea of deliverance by payment of a price. There are many passages in the New Testament which represent Christ's sufferings under the idea of a ransom or price, and the result thereby secured is a purchase or redemption (Compare Acts 20:28 ; 1 Corinthians 6:19 1 Corinthians 6:20 ; Galatians 3:13 ; Galatians 4:4 Galatians 4:5 ; Ephesians 1:7 ; Colossians 1:14 ; 1 Timothy 2:5 1 Timothy 2:6 One day the younger son went to his father and asked for his inheritance. It speaks volumes of how God can redeem anyones story, no matter what they have done. God parted the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land, and then closed it up again, drowning the pursuing Egyptian army. Let the Redeemed of the Lord Tell Their Story. Thus, the Christian worldview is premised on two realities: Gods good world spoiled by human sin (fall) and sinful humans made fit to enjoy God forever (redemption). God heard their cry for help and sent Moses to lead them out of Egypt. Paul instead proved himself to be completely changed and committed to the work of Jesus. This is hardly the behavior one would expect from the man God used torescue the world but Noahs life confirms that there is no one righteous, not even one (Romans 3:10). Boaz redeemed Ruth when he exercised his right as kinsman-redeemer and paid the redemption price to acquire all that belonged to Naomi's deceased husband (Ruth 2:20; 3:9-13; 4:3-11). What Do the Four Soils in the Parable of the Sower Represent? And your sins like a heavy mist. Redemption is a central theme in Christianity, representing the act of saving or rescuing someone from a state of bondage, slavery, or sin. Examples of Redemption in the Bible 1. Zavada, Jack. Let the redeemed tell their story (Psalm 107:2-3) Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story-. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from Gods wrath through him! Rather, it is the Christians rightful anticipation of a promise made by the One who justly pronounced a curse on this world and then lovingly took that curse upon Himself in order to redeem people for His glory. Though he had gone away, his father accepted him back with no change in his status as a son. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. cit., p. 26. The first of these references was a statement of the disciples on the road to Emmaus that they had hoped that Christ would redeem Israel. The word here is used clearly in the thought of releasing them from their bondage to Rome and introducing the period of blessing of which the Old Testament prophets spoke. Another great example of redemption in the Bible is that of Manasseh, Hezekiah's son. Delitzsch, Commentary on Hebrews, II. Jesus redeemed Pauls past and used it for his glory by showing others that anything is possible with him, and that he is the messiah. From these stories of redemption in the Bible, we can learn several important lessons: In conclusion, the examples of redemption in the Bible demonstrate the power of Gods grace and love to transform lives. Though his father loved him, the young man felt like he would be better off without the constraints of the family. Please check your entries and try again. It is an example of how that God redeems us with the sacrifice of His Son. The final book of the Bible is, therefore, a fitting end to the story of the fall with its triumphant declaration of full redemption: Then he showed me the river of living water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the broad street of the city. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. The Christian use of redemption means Jesus Christ, through his sacrificial death, purchased believers from the slavery of sin to set us free from that bondage. David. The Old Testament. Bible Verses, Quotes, Christian Answers, Songs and More. Saul was later known by the name Paul. Only Hebrews 11:35, speaking of those who would not accept deliverance by denial of their faith, seems to have no direct connection with the death of Christ. Throughout the whole process of going to the mountain to sacrifice, Isaac was obedient and Abraham was hopeful. He can use them for goodboth yours and the good of others. The context, however, would seem to point to the future aspect when Gods own possession now sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise is fully delivered in the presence of the Lord. The use of here instead of is not especially significant, though it seems to imply more emphasis on the deliverance itself than the resulting state. 2 In Christian usage, redemption refers to Jesus freeing us from bondage to sin, death, and the devil, by the price This basic expression for redemption in Scripture is a verb derived from , i.e., a forum or a market place, and therefore means simply to buy or purchase.1 Ordinarily it has reference to simple purchases of items in the market place, but in six instances in the Bible Christians are said to be redeemed or bought in reference to the death of Christ (1 Cor 6:20; 7:23 ; 2 Pet 2:1; Rev 5:9; 14:3-4 ). Your redemption through Christ means so much more. God can give you passion in a ministry to help others who have suffered the same way you did. The Old Testament. Leave a comment below and tell us about your favorite one.