Chapter 5 - Redemption
Introduction
Redemption has two primary definitions, the first refers to the action of regaining or gaining possession of something or someone in exchange for payment or the settling of a debt. The second definition refers to the action of being saved from some demise (sin, disaster, or otherwise not a good situation). In the Old Testament we find the Hebrew word gāʾal most often applied to a “kinsman redeemer” a close relative that: 1) buys back a person from bondage (see Leviticus 25:48); 2) buys back their possessions (see Leviticus 25:26); 3) redeems objects (see Leviticus 27:13); or 4) to avenge their relative’s murder (see Numbers 35:19). The Hebrew noun geʾullāh which refers to redemption is used primary in texts pertaining to the who, what, how, etc. of redemption. The other Hebrew words that relate to redemption all relate to the ransoms (typically money paid). They are the verb pāḏāh, and the nouns piḏyôn and peḏûyiym, none of which offer any new insight to their use.
In the New Testament we find two Greek nouns lytrōsis referring to the act of freeing and apolytrōsis which refers to redemption through payment. And three Greek verbs, lytroō means to set free or liberate typically by paying a ransom, agorazō refers to buying, nothing specific, a general term, and exagorazō referring to buy back or to redeem from, again not specific.
But there are a number of theological aspects that the concept of redemption portrays. For example: God’s redemption of individuals from sin, death and condemnation, as well as His redemption of the nation of Israel.
Freedom from Slavery
Perhaps the best overview of being redeemed from our slavery to sin can be found in the first chapter of the book of Ephesians. Speaking of Jesus, Paul wrote, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” (Ephesians 1:7-10, ESV)
Before we examine these verses we should all agree that everyone once was (for believers) or is (unbelievers) a slave to sin (see John 8:34), that no one is righteous on their own (see Romans 3:10), and that the ‘wages’ of sin is death (see Romans 6:23, see also Ezekiel 18:4).
In these verses Paul identifies five primary elements of redemption: 1) The Redeemer - Jesus the Messiah; 2) The redeemed - All believing Christians; 3) The price of redemption - The blood of Jesus; 4) The results of redemption - Forgiveness; and 5) The purpose of redemption - To unite all things in Jesus.
Paul uses the phrase, “according to the riches of his grace,” to emphasizes that there is no limit to God’s grace. The Greek word translated here as ‘grace’ is cháris, it is derived from the word chaírō meaning, “to rejoice” and it is most often translated as ‘grace’, an undeserved favor that brings great joy. As believers when we received the gift of grace (see Ephesians 2:8-9), the Holy Spirit renewed us and transformed us, all possible because Jesus redeemed us.
The mystery Paul is referring to is simply something that was not previously taught or revealed. By lavishing on us all wisdom and insight, we know that this mystery of God’s will include, but not limited to, revealing God’s plan to bless mankind through Jesus and the formation of His church, “a plan for the fullness of time,” a plan that can be summarized as the return of all things prior to the way it was before the fall of man occurred. This includes the arrival of Jesus to die for our sins, the formation of the church, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, all occurring in God’s perfect timing, as well as the yet future second coming of Jesus. All ultimately culminating in bringing everyone together in Jesus. The words “fullness of time” also refers to everything being done and completed at the appropriate time knowing that God will do everything exactly as He promised.
Paul tells us that the purpose of God’s plan of redemption is, “to unite all things in Him,” (see also Philippians 2:10-11; Hebrews 1:8-13). This again refers to a time that is yet future when every knee will bow in heaven and on earth before Jesus and every tongue will confess Him as Lord. The book of Revelation gives us insight about a time when Satan will be defeated (see Revelation 20:7-10), the Great White Throne judgment commencing (see Revelation 20:11-15), and the introduction of a new earth and a new heaven (see Revelation chapter 21), all resulting in us living with Jesus forever. “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3b-4, ESV)