Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost – Titus 3:5
Episode 3, “The Preacher,” of USA’s newest series, Anne Pigeon presents viewers with two pivotal events. The first is a bank robbery—one in a series—in which a masked individual says, “God doesn’t want anyone to die today,” after showing the teller a picture of their family. The second occurs when Anne Pigeon, a park ranger, confronts Pastor Nelson with her skepticism about his public baptism, calling it a “little dip in the lake.” The pastor thoughtfully responds, “I believe in redemption, yes. That you can come back from something and start fresh. Don’t you?” Anne adamantly answers, “Redemption, yeah. But you’re selling miracles, and I’m not buying.”
Sometimes, when people struggle with their own demons, they find it hard to believe that others can be set free. This was my evaluation of Anne’s doubts surrounding redemption; she still found herself tormented by past traumas, which she self-medicated with alcohol. However, Anne’s perception is not exclusive to non-Christians. It is just as prevalent within religious establishments, despite biblical teachings like Ephesians 1:7 regarding redemption and 2 Corinthians 5:17 about being made anew through Jesus Christ.
Redemption won’t always be met with belief. Naysayers and doubters, and even those who secretly expect regression, will exist. The Apostle Paul encountered this skepticism when he chose to live for Jesus and leave behind his old self, Saul.