Redemption is a central theme in Christian theology, signifying the deliverance from sin and its consequences through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This divine act of grace procures for believers the forgiveness of sins, restoring the broken relationship between humanity and God.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of redemption is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where it is portrayed as a divine initiative to rescue humanity from the bondage of sin. In the Old Testament, redemption often involved the liberation of individuals or groups from physical or social captivity, symbolizing a greater spiritual reality. The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of this redemptive promise through Jesus Christ.

Forgiveness of Sin

The forgiveness of sin is a fundamental aspect of redemption. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, believers are cleansed from their sins and reconciled to God. This forgiveness is not merely a legal transaction but a transformative process that restores the believer to a state of grace and fellowship with God.

Key Scriptures

1. Ephesians 1:7 : "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." This verse highlights the means of redemption—through the blood of Christ—and its result, the forgiveness of sins, underscoring the abundance of God's grace.

2. 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." Here, redemption is depicted as a transfer from darkness to light, emphasizing the transformative power of forgiveness.

3. Hebrews 9:12 : "He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." This passage contrasts the temporary and incomplete nature of Old Testament sacrifices with the eternal redemption secured by Christ's sacrifice.

4. 1 John 1:9 : "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This verse assures believers of God's faithfulness in forgiving sins, contingent upon confession and repentance.

Theological Implications

The forgiveness of sins through redemption is not only a past event but an ongoing reality for believers. It assures them of their standing before God and empowers them to live in accordance with His will. This forgiveness is a gift of grace, unearned and undeserved, reflecting the depth of God's love and mercy.

Practical Application

Believers are called to live in the light of this forgiveness, extending grace and forgiveness to others as they have received from God. This transformative experience of redemption should inspire a life of gratitude, obedience, and service, reflecting the character of Christ in all aspects of life.Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 1:14
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Justification.
... and finisher of that scheme of redemption, whereby we ... But this does not imply that
he procures our justification by imputing his obedience to us. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxvi justification.htm

The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive.
... merit the interposition of Christ for our redemption, but that ... with perfect truth,
that no man procures favor with ... with which the Father embraces us in Christ ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 the beginning of.htm

Sanctification.
... all who believe that there is no redemption from sin ... blood of Christ cleanseth from
sin, or procures our pardon ... He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/finney/systematic theology/lecture xl sanctification.htm

Of a Private Fast.
... health"it delivers from evils, and procures all kind ... think it good, but because God
requires us to do ... mayest shew thyself thankful for thy redemption (Luke 1 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/i of a private fast.htm

Subject Index
... views of the Carpocratians respecting, [711]351. why plots against us, [712]300. ...
Forerunner of Christ, [926]220. Forgiveness of sin, [927]200, [928]217. ...
/.../irenaeus/fragments from the lost writings of irenaeus/subject index.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... 1. Christ the Mediator of redemption; the saints ... the fruit of reconciliation by bringing
assistance to us. ... that general introduction which procures favour for ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ...
... Who would flee from redemption? ... Imitate holy David, who as a good master left us
what we should ... curse of man is to be sought for, which procures the blessing ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle lxiii limenius bishop of.htm

Of the Sacraments.
... heart, stirs up the affections, and procures access for ... have an evidence of purification
and redemption, but the ... graces of the Spirit, are offered us in Christ ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 of the sacraments.htm

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
... the frequent mention in Scripture of redemption; from which ... is no faith until God
present us with clear ... of the election of her son Jacob, procures the blessing ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 of faith the.htm

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Redemption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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