Vine's Expository Dictionary defines "redeem" as:
A. Verb. lutroo. to release on receipt of ransom. To release by paying a ransom price. Christ is stated as the means of redepmption. Lutroo signifies "deliverance," the setting at liberty.

I saw this movie today that had this scene that made me think about redemption. It was a flashback scene in which this young woman remembers her life as a whore. She is being scene by a doctor when her next client arrives. She is ill and does not want to turn any tricks. She is then harshly reminded that she is whore and that she must service this man. The doctor steps in, hands over 3 pieces of gold, saying, "I have now redeemed her." She looks up at the doctor in a mix of shock, joy, and gratitude.

...knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. 1 Peter 1:18,19

What a concept! Not a new epiphany. Just relearning an old truth. I have betrayed Christ in my sinfulness; I am unholy. I am an adulteress. I have given my loyalties, my love, my devotion to things, to stuff, and to people. Christ has redeemed me. He has paid the debt that I once owed. But, He didn't just buy me out with money; He paid for me with blood that was unblemished. How undeserving am I! It's interesting because Vine's makes an interesting distinction between 2 different greek words for redeem. The other word exagorazo denotes "to buy out." There is more of an idea of transferring ownership. But, lutroo (which is used in 1 Peter 1:18) is all about freedom. Christ has paid for me; He has redeemed me. But, He has not brought me into more bondage. It's not like I am slave that has been sold to a new master. I have been bought so that I could be set free.

Now, what do I do with this freedom? How do I respond? I think of the woman in the movie. She is grateful, and she dedicates her life to the doctor. She also knows that she cannot make a better life for herself because of her past. And I know that, too. I need Christ so desperately. I cannot make a better life for myself because I am a sinner. And I want to surrender fully to Christ. That seems like a response that isn't even close to being worthy of what I should repay to Him.

How ungrateful I am. I pray for a heart of gratitude.