Delivered, Transferred, Redeemed, Forgiven

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)

These two verses are packed with powerful, foundational truths—and every word is worth sitting with.

He—the Father—delivered us. The word implies more than just rescue; it means He drew us to Himself, pulling us from the grip of darkness where we were once under the influence of sin and domain of satan. That domain had strength, power, and bondage. But God didn’t stop at rescue.

He also transferred us—from one place to another. Our position changed. We were moved from darkness into the kingdom of the Son He loves—a kingdom defined by love (agape), because God is love. In that kingdom, we aren’t just rescued—we’re redeemed. Jesus paid the ransom, releasing us from the penalty and bondage of our sins.

And not only are we redeemed—we’re also forgiven. That word in the original language means “released,” “pardoned,” as if the sins were never committed. That’s how completely God has dealt with our past.

By the will of the Father, the obedience of the Son, and the indwelling of the Spirit, we have been delivered, transferred, redeemed, and forgiven.

So live in that freedom. Live in love. Let your mindset and position reflect the kingdom you now belong to—where Christ is King, and grace abounds.