Topical Bible: Redemption: They Who Partake of are a Peculiar People

◄ Redemption: They Who Partake of are a Peculiar People ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Context

Redemption in the biblical sense refers to the act of being saved from sin, error, or evil through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the deliverance from the bondage of sin and the restoration of a right relationship with God. Those who partake in this redemption are often described as a "peculiar people," a term that signifies their distinctiveness and special status as God's chosen.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of redemption is woven throughout the Scriptures, beginning with the Old Testament and finding its fulfillment in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, redemption is often associated with the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, symbolizing God's power to save His people (Exodus 6:6). This act of deliverance foreshadows the ultimate redemption through Christ.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul articulates the essence of redemption in his epistle to the Ephesians: "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7). This passage highlights the sacrificial nature of Christ's work and the grace extended to believers.

A Peculiar People

The phrase "peculiar people" is derived from 1 Peter 2:9, which states, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" . This verse underscores the unique identity and purpose of those who have been redeemed. They are set apart to live lives that reflect God's holiness and to bear witness to His transformative power.

The term "peculiar" in this context does not imply oddity or strangeness but rather denotes a special possession or treasure. Believers are considered peculiar because they belong to God in a unique way, having been purchased by the blood of Christ. This distinctiveness is further emphasized in Titus 2:14, where Paul writes, "He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds" .

Characteristics of the Redeemed

Those who partake in redemption exhibit certain characteristics that set them apart from the world. They are called to live lives of holiness, reflecting the character of God. As Paul exhorts in Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" . This transformation is a hallmark of the redeemed, as they seek to align their lives with God's will.

Moreover, the redeemed are marked by a sense of purpose and mission. As a "royal priesthood," they are tasked with proclaiming the virtues of God and serving as His ambassadors in the world. This calling involves both the proclamation of the Gospel and the demonstration of God's love through acts of service and compassion.

The Inheritance of the Redeemed

The peculiar people of God are also heirs to a glorious inheritance. As Paul writes in Colossians 1:12-14, "giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. 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" . This inheritance is not only a future hope but also a present reality, as believers experience the blessings of redemption in their daily lives.

Conclusion

While the entry does not include a formal conclusion, it is evident that redemption is a profound and transformative experience that defines the identity and purpose of believers. As a peculiar people, the redeemed are called to live distinctively, reflecting the grace and glory of God in a world that desperately needs His light.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 7:23
And what one nation in the earth is like your people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem for a people to himself, and to make him a name, and to do for you great things and terrible, for your land, before your people, which you redeemed to you from Egypt, from the nations and their gods?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Conversion of Cornelius.
... of the divine favour and the blessings of redemption, was not ... keep company with the:
Gentiles, of whose entertainments they might now partake without any ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiii the conversion of.htm

The True Spirit of Missions.
... admit the light of the Gospel and partake of its ... They were so to the heart of the
precious Saviour ... or he never would have undertaken the work of our redemption. ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter i the true spirit.htm

The Historical Situation
... nor were any allowed to partake of the ... themselves to visionary representations of
the promised redemption. ... reliance on God too immediate; they fitly follow the ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/i the historical situation.htm

Easter Sunday
... and as a perpetual memorial of their redemption, they were annually, on ... The Jews
had annually to partake of their offered sacrifice, but they were not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/easter sunday.htm

The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People
... the work of Christ to be no half-way redemption, but a ... is not confined to one, but
where all partake of it ... of stove which required all the wood they could bring ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the joy of the lord.htm

The Passover: an Expiation and a Feast, a Memorial and a Prophecy
... Judaism had for its highest purpose to shadow forth the coming redemption. ... from the
oneness of the bread of which they in the Christian Passover partake. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the passover an expiation and.htm

"Ye are the Light of the World. "
... They do not partake of good in the world, and none were blessed by them; none could
point to them as the means of their redemption; not a line they ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter ix ye are the.htm

Completion Op the Fifth Continental Journey.
... souls to Him, that they might partake of spiritual ... on the Fall, Regeneration and
Redemption, True Faith ... is a great movement among the Catholics; they have need ...
/.../chapter xvii completion op the.htm

True Wisdom.
... They do not partake of good in the world, and none were blessed by them; none could
point to them as the means of their redemption; not a line they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/true wisdom.htm

Shewing How a Principle of Grace is from the Spirit of God. "
... Divine essence is thus called in a peculiar manner as ... the Holy Ghost in the work
of Redemption is not ... of God's holiness," not only as they partake of holiness ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/edwards/treatise on grace/shewing how a principle of.htm