Topical Bible: Redemption: Defined

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Topical Encyclopedia

Redemption is a central theme in Christian theology, encapsulating the deliverance from sin and its consequences through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The concept of redemption is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's plan to restore humanity to a right relationship with Himself.

Old Testament Foundations

The idea of redemption is first introduced in the Old Testament, where it is often associated with the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Hebrew word "ga'al" is frequently used to describe the act of a kinsman-redeemer, who would rescue a relative from bondage or reclaim their lost property. This is vividly illustrated in the account of Boaz and Ruth, where Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 4:1-10).

The Exodus itself is a profound act of redemption, as God delivers His people from Egyptian oppression. In Exodus 6:6, God declares, "Therefore tell the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.’" This event becomes a foundational symbol of God's redemptive power and faithfulness.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, redemption takes on a more profound and universal significance through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Greek word "apolutrosis" is used to describe the act of redemption, emphasizing the release from bondage through the payment of a ransom. Jesus Himself identifies His mission as one of redemption, stating in Mark 10:45, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many."

The Apostle Paul elaborates on this theme, explaining that believers are redeemed through Christ's sacrificial death. In Ephesians 1:7, Paul writes, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." This redemption is not merely a release from the penalty of sin but also an invitation into a new life of freedom and holiness.

Theological Implications

Redemption in Christian theology is not only about liberation from sin but also about restoration and reconciliation with God. It involves a transformation of the believer's identity and status before God. As Paul states in Colossians 1:13-14, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Furthermore, redemption is both a present reality and a future hope. While believers experience the benefits of redemption now, they also anticipate the full realization of God's redemptive plan in the eschatological future. Romans 8:23 speaks to this future aspect: "Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."

Practical Application

The doctrine of redemption calls believers to live in the light of their new identity in Christ. It encourages a life of gratitude, obedience, and service, reflecting the transformative power of God's grace. As Peter exhorts in 1 Peter 1:18-19, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect."

Redemption, therefore, is not merely a theological concept but a dynamic reality that shapes the life and mission of the Christian community. Through Christ's redemptive work, believers are called to participate in God's ongoing work of restoration and reconciliation in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 6:20
For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 7:23
You are bought with a price; be not you the servants of men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning Power, Justice, Preservation, Redemption, in which Also ...
... who are being preserved admits; wherefore also the Theologians name it redemption,
both so ... with which the equality of all is measured and defined, and every ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput viii concerning power justice.htm

Note C. The Holiness of God.
... It is defined as being the harmony of self-preservation and self ... Exclusion, election,
cleansing, redemption"these are the four forms in which God's Holiness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/note c the holiness of.htm

Detailed Contents
... us to God Imitation of Christ conditioned by the consciousness of redemption, The
Second ... Christ's death defined by relation to God and His love: (a) directly, 2 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/denney/the death of christ/detailed contents.htm

"The Fullness of the Time"
... The principles of God's government and the plan of redemption must be clearly defined.
The lessons of the Old Testament must be fully set before men. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 3 the fullness of.htm

The Coming of a Deliverer
... The principles of God's government and the plan of redemption must be clearly defined.
The lessons of the Old Testament must be fully set before men. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 58 the coming of.htm

The Historical Books.
... 12. In the history of the plan of redemption these two books have a
well-defined province. They are occupied with the establishment ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

Index.
... peace of mind necessary for, [562]236; degrees of, [563]396; defined, [564]341 ...
Redemption, its office to restore Union, [593]32; its grace more helpful than ...
/.../baker/holy wisdom or directions for the prayer of contemplation/index .htm

Christ Our Righteousness.
... It goes to the heart of the scheme of redemption. How is Christ our righteousness? ...
Two distinct kinds of righteousness are clearly defined in the Word of God. ...
/.../xii christ our righteousness.htm

writings in connection with the Manich??an controversy
... The Plan and Principal Mysteries of the Divine Scheme of Redemption. ... Chapter 3.
--If Evil is Defined as that Which is Hurtful, This Implies Another Refutation ...
/.../augustine/writings in connection with the manichaean controversy /

Letter clvi. To Leo Augustus.
... the Council of Chalcedon against the blasphemy of Eutyches, it was defined that
the ... are beseeching you on behalf of that Faith, wherein is Redemption for the ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter clvi to leo augustus.htm