Although there are several ways of looking at the Atonement, and equal justification for each interpretation, let us consider just one today: the idea that Jesus came as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). It is the basis for the statement Paul wants to make in this passage.

On Ash Wednesday, we considered Paul's claim that he had been sent as an ambassador on behalf of Christ, begging us to be reconciled to God, as though we were citizens of a nation hostile to God. This passage reminds us of another aspect of hostilities between nations -- prisoners of war, held in dark cells or tiger cages, chained, often mistreated, waiting for some sign of hope, of deliverance.

It is difficult in the extreme for us to admit that we are imprisoned. We like to believe that we are free! It is the cornerston…