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Applying the Concept of Redemption to Everyday Life Biblically

Redemption, in a biblical context, refers to the act of purchasing back something that was lost through the payment of a ransom [1]. The Greek term apolutrosis, appearing nine times in Scripture, consistently carries this meaning of a price paid for release [1]. This concept is central to understanding God's relationship with humanity and is applied broadly throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word goel describes a "redeemer" as one charged with restoring the rights of another and avenging wrongs [3]. This role is seen in various human relationships, such as redeeming a bond-servant or a field [1, 15]. For instance, if a person was unable to redeem themselves from servitude, a kinsman might do so [9]. This concept of a kinsman-redeemer (goel) is particularly applied to Christ in the New Testament [3, 9].

The New Testament expands on this understanding, specifically applying redemption to deliverance from the guilt and pollution of sin through Jesus Christ [7]. This "great salvation" is accomplished by Christ alone [6, 7]. Key passages highlight that redemption is "through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace" (Ephesians 1:7) [4]. The payment for this redemption is explicitly stated as the blood of Christ [2, 4]. This act was not an afterthought but was foreordained by God before the foundation of the world [6, 16].

The scope of redemption is extensive, encompassing deliverance from various forms of bondage and evil. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, redemption is from:

This comprehensive deliverance is a gift from God, with Christ being "made, to us" redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30) [2]. The purpose of this redemption is multifaceted. One primary purpose is that the redeemed might serve God "in holiness and righteousness before Him" [10]. This service is to be rendered "without fear," having been delivered from the hand of enemies [10]. Another purpose is to honor God through the praises of the redeemed, as seen in Isaiah 43:21 and 1 Peter 2:9 [11]. Redemption also leads to a knowledge of salvation through the remission of sins (Luke 1:77) [5].

The concept of redemption is closely intertwined with other theological doctrines such as atonement and salvation. The atonement, effected by Christ alone, is the means by which redemption is achieved [6]. It exhibits God's grace, mercy, and love, and reconciles divine justice with mercy [6]. Salvation, often used synonymously with deliverance, specifically refers to the deliverance from sin wrought by Christ [7].

The historical development of the understanding of redemption has been consistent in its core meaning, though its implications have been explored in greater depth over time. The Old Testament sacrificial system, for instance, provided a legal and typical expiation for sins, but these sacrifices served as a "remembrance" of sins rather than a complete atonement [8, 12]. The New Testament presents Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate and final redemption, fulfilling and surpassing the Old Testament types [6, 12]. This is why the Jamieson, Fausset & Brown commentary on Hebrews 10:3 notes that the Old Testament sacrifices continually reminded people of their sins, indicating that full atonement had not yet been achieved through them [12].

Applying the concept of redemption to everyday life involves recognizing the profound implications of Christ's work. It means understanding that believers are "bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23) and therefore belong to God [2]. This ownership implies a call to live in a manner consistent with their redeemed status, serving God in holiness and righteousness [10]. The freedom from the curse of the law, the power of sin, and the fear of enemies should translate into a life of confident service and praise [2, 10, 11].

The idea of redemption also offers hope and assurance. Just as Job's captivity was "turned" and he was amply indemnified for his losses, so too does redemption promise restoration and vindication for believers [14]. This restoration is not merely spiritual but has implications for all aspects of life, as God redeems from "all evil" [2]. The church, often referred to as Zion, is the object of this redeeming grace, being delivered from the captivity of sin, Satan, and the law [13]. This spiritual redemption is plenteous and eternal [13].

Sources

  1. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Redemption — The purchase back of something that had been lost, by the payment of a ransom. The Greek word so rendered is apolutrosis, a word occurring nine times in Scripture, and always with the idea of a ransom or price paid, i.e., redemption by a lutron (see Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45). There are instances in the LXX. Version of the Old Testament of the use of lutron in man's relation to man (Lev. 19:20; 25:51; Ex. 21:30; Num. 35:31, 32; Isa. 45:13; Prov. 6:35), and in the same sense of man's relation to God (Num. 3:49; 18:15). There are many passages in the New Tes”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Redemption — Defined -- 1Co 6:20; 7:23. Is of God -- Isa 44:21-23; 43:1; Lu 1:68. Is by Christ -- Mt 20:28; Ga 3:13. Is by the blood of Christ -- Ac 20:28; Heb 9:12; 1Pe 1:19; Re 5:9. Christ sent to effect -- Ga 4:4,5. Christ is made, to us -- 1Co 1:30. Is from The bondage of the law. -- Ga 4:5. The curse of the law. -- Ga 3:13. The power of sin. -- Ro 6:18,22. The power of the grave. -- Ps 49:15. All troubles. -- Ps 25:22. All iniquity. -- Ps 130:8; Tit 2:14. All evil. -- Ge 48:16. The present evil world. -- Ga 1:4. Vain conversation. -- 1Pe 1:18. Enemies. -- Ps 106”
  3. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Redeemer — Heb. goel; i.e., one charged with the duty of restoring the rights of another and avenging his wrongs (Lev. 25:48, 49; Num. 5:8; Ruth 4:1; Job 19:25; Ps. 19:14; 78:35, etc.). This title is peculiarly applied to Christ. He redeems us from all evil by the payment of a ransom (q.v.). (See [524]REDEMPTION.)”
  4. Ephesians “in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, -- Ephesians 1:7”
  5. Luke “Luke 1:77 (Rotherham) — Giving a knowledge of salvation unto his people, by a remission of their sins.”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Atonement, The — Explained -- Ro 5:8-11; 2Co 5:18,19; Ga 1:4; 1Jo 2:2; 4:10. Foreordained -- Ro 3:25; 1Pe 1:11,20; Re 13:8. Foretold -- Isa 53:4-6,8-12; Da 9:24-27; Zec 13:1,7; Joh 11:50,51. Effected by Christ alone -- Joh 1:29,36; Ac 4:10,12; 1Th 1:10; 1Ti 2:5,6; Heb 2:9; 1Pe 2:24. Was voluntary -- Ps 40:6-8; Heb 10:5-9; Joh 10:11,15,17,18. Exhibits the Grace and mercy of God. -- Ro 8:32; Eph 2:4,5,7; 1Ti 2:4; Heb 2:9. Love of God. -- Ro 5:8; 1Jo 4:9,10. Love of Christ. -- Joh 15:13; Ga 2:20; Eph 5:2,25; Re 1:5. Reconciles the justice and mercy of God -- Isa 45:21; ”
  7. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Salvation — This word is used of the deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptians (Ex. 14:13), and of deliverance generally from evil or danger. In the New Testament it is specially used with reference to the great deliverance from the guilt and the pollution of sin wrought out by Jesus Christ, "the great salvation" (Heb. 2:3). (See [546]REDEMPTION; [547]REGENERATION.)”
  8. Exodus “et vitulum pro peccato offeres per singulos dies ad expiandum. Mundabisque altare cum immolaveris expiationis hostiam, et unges illud in sanctificationem. -- Exodus 29:36”
  9. Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 1:7: In whom--"the Beloved" (Eph 1:6; Rom 3:24). we have--as a present possession. redemption--Greek, "our (literally, 'the') redemption"; THE redemption which is the grand subject of all revelation, and especially of the New Testament (Rom 3:24), namely, from the power, guilt, and penal consequences of sin (Mat 1:21). If a man were unable to redeem himself from being a bond-servant, his kinsman might redeem him (Lev 25:48). Hence, antitypically the Son of God became the Son of man, that as our kinsman He might redeem us (Mat 20:28). Another "redempti”
  10. Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 1:74: That he would grant us, &c.--How comprehensive is the view here given! (1) The purpose of all redemption--"that we should serve Him"--that is, "the Lord God of Israel" (Luk 1:68). The word signifies religious service distinctively--"the priesthood of the New Testament" [BENGEL]. (2) The nature of this service--"in holiness and righteousness before Him" (Luk 1:75) --or, as in His presence (compare Psa 56:13). (3) Its freedom--"being delivered out of the hand of our enemies." (4) Its fearlessness--"might serve Him without fear." (5) Its duration--"all the ”
  11. Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 43:21: 43:21 One purpose of redemption is to honor God through the praises of the redeemed (see 1 Pet 2:9).”
  12. Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 10:3: But--so far from those sacrifices ceasing to be offered (Heb 10:2). in, &c.--in the fact of their being offered, and in the course of their being offered on the day of atonement. Contrast Heb 10:17. a remembrance--a recalling to mind by the high priest's confession, on the day of atonement, of the sins both of each past year and of all former years, proving that the expiatory sacrifices of former years were not felt by men's consciences to have fully atoned for former sins; in fact, the expiation and remission were only legal and typical (Heb 10:4”
  13. Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 1:27: Zion shall be redeemed with judgment,.... The blessing of redemption by Christ is the source and foundation of the other blessings of grace, before mentioned, the little remnant are favoured with, as justification, pardon of sin, and conversion, Isa 1:18, Isa 1:25 it is of a spiritual nature; the redemption of the soul is a deliverance from the captivity of sin, Satan, and the law, and is plenteous and eternal; the objects of redeeming grace are "Zion" and her converts; not the world, but the church is redeemed by Christ; for by Zion is meant, not a place, but peopl”
  14. Job (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Job 42:10: turned . . . captivity--proverbial for restored, or amply indemnified him for all he had lost (Eze 16:53; Psa 14:7; Hos 6:11). Thus the future vindication of man, body and soul, against Satan (Job 1:9-12), at the resurrection (Job 19:25-27), has its earnest and adumbration in the temporal vindication of Job at last by Jehovah in person. twice--so to the afflicted literal and spiritual Jerusalem (Isa 40:2; Isa 60:7; Isa 61:7; Zac 9:12). As in Job's case, so in that of Jesus Christ, the glorious recompense follows the "intercession" for enemies (Isa 53:1”
  15. Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Ruth 4:7: "Concerning redemption." If a person redeems or exchanges one field for another.”
  16. 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 1:20: God's eternal foreordination of Christ's redeeming sacrifice, and completion of it in these last times for us, are an additional obligation on us to our maintaining a holy walk, considering how great things have been thus done for us. Peter's language in the history corresponds with this here: an undesigned coincidence and mark of genuineness. Redemption was no afterthought, or remedy of an unforeseen evil, devised at the time of its arising. God's foreordaining of the Redeemer refutes the slander that, on the Christian theory, there is a period of fo”
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