REDEMPTION AND SECOND CHANCES
In June, we are going to explore spiritual truth in some of the biggest movies that are in recent releases. Let me give a few disclaimers: (1) We are not endorsing these movies. However, we are considering the spiritual truth that is illustrated by scenes from these movies. (2) As a church, we need to realize and acknowledge that movies and media in general are the most powerful force for ideas in our culture. Therefore, we need to examine some of the ideas and concepts found in the movies of our culture.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19 (NIV)
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
These three verses highlight the powerful message of redemption. The dictionary defines redemption as (1) The action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil. (2) The action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt.
Basic to the message of the New Testament is the announcement that Jesus is redemption. That in Him, redemption has arrived. He is the One who has paid our debt and redeemed us. Fundamental to Christianity is the theme that redemption is available to anyone and everyone. No one is past the possibility of redemption!
One of the powerful themes of Spiderman: No Way Home is redemption.
THE MOVIE (No major spoilers)
The film picks up where 2019’s Far From Home left off with Spider-Man’s identity being revealed to the world. Spider-Man is wrongly accused of numerous crimes, and all the negative publicity affects Peter Parker/Spider-Man and those closest to him. The media is camped outside his Aunt May’s apartment building, and his best friend, Ned, and girlfriend MJ have been denied admission to MIT (impressive!) due to their association with the superhero.
Naively, the high school senior tries to fix the problem by calling on Doctor Strange to make everyone forget that he is Spider-Man. The fix all goes wrong, and from the “multiverse” enters several villains from the past: Doc Ock, Green Goblin, and Electro.
No spoilers but Peter Parker learns to deal with the consequences of his choices as well as how to make decisions that demand maturity well beyond his years. He realizes that life is complicated and is made up of joys and sorrows.
GOD’S TRUTH IN THE FILM:
Every human life is of immense value.
Even the lives of those who have done terrible things. There is a clear belief that everyone deserves a shot at redemption, even the villains.
Every person has great worth. We are all made in the image of God who created us. Every person matters and is an example of God’s greatest creation.
Redemption is possible–for anyone.
Not one of us is perfect, we have all done things that deserve some degree of punishment. A second chance is something we all need.
God’s redemption offers amazing benefits that include: Eternal life, the forgiveness of sins, adoption into God’s family, deliverance from slavery to sin, and the Holy Spirit’s indwelling.
Related to the Christian concept of redemption is the word ransom. Jesus paid the price for our release from sin and its punishment. His death was in exchange for our life. Anyone who follows Jesus finds themselves redeemed, forgiven, and free.
It takes having God’s perspective to see beyond someone’s wrongs to the dignity they have as people, and as God’s creation and offer them a second chance. This Marvel movie shows us that sort of a person, the kind that uses their great power responsibly–for redemption.