Ruth 4:9-12

“Just as the Old Testament people of God, though already redeemed from their Egyptian and Babylonian exiles, were yet waiting for the promise of a fuller redemption…so the New Testament people of God, though already redeemed from guilt and judgment, are yet waiting for ‘the day of redemption’ when we shall be made perfect. This will include ‘the redemption of our bodies’. At that point the whole groaning creation will be liberated from its bondage to decay and be brought to share in the freedom of the glory of God’s children. Meanwhile, the indwelling Holy Spirit is himself

the seal, the guarantee and the firstfruits of our final redemption.”

—John Stott, The Cross of Christ

Text:  Marc Chagall, “The Meeting of Ruth and Boaz” (lithograph, 1960