Biblical Texts on the Doctrine of Redemption
The biblical doctrine of redemption centers on the concept of purchasing back something lost through the payment of a ransom [1]. This idea is conveyed by the Greek word apolutrosis, which appears nine times in Scripture and consistently carries the meaning of a price paid [1]. The Old Testament uses the related term lutron in contexts of human-to-human transactions (e.g., Leviticus 19:20; 25:51) and human-to-God relations (e.g., Numbers 3:49; 18:15) [1].
Redemption is fundamentally an act of God [2]. Isaiah 44:21-23 and Luke 1:68 affirm that redemption originates with God [2]. The New Testament clarifies that this redemption is accomplished through Jesus Christ [2]. Matthew 20:28 states that Christ came to give his life as a ransom, and Galatians 3:13 indicates that Christ redeems from the curse of the law [2]. The means of this redemption is specifically identified as the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 9:12; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:9) [2]. As the "Beloved," Christ is the one "in whom we have redemption" [7].
The scope of redemption is broad, encompassing deliverance from various forms of bondage and evil. It includes freedom from the bondage of the law (Galatians 4:5), the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13), the power of sin (Romans 6:18, 22), and the power of the grave (Psalm 49:15) [2]. Redemption also extends to deliverance from all troubles (Psalm 25:22), all iniquity (Psalm 130:8; Titus 2:14), all evil (Genesis 48:16), the present evil world (Galatians 1:4), and vain conduct (1 Peter 1:18) [2].
The purpose of redemption is multifaceted. One significant purpose is to honor God through the praises of the redeemed (1 Peter 2:9) [4]. The story of redemption also highlights the Lord's faithfulness [5]. The costly price paid for redemption covers sin and allows for reconciliation between humans and God (Psalm 130:7-8) [8]. This spiritual redemption, achieved by the blood of Jesus Christ, forms the foundation of God's judgment and righteousness, leading to pardon and producing righteousness in those who are converted [3]. John Gill notes that the church, not the entire world, is the object of this redeeming grace [6].
Sources
- 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”
- 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”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 1:27: redeemed--temporarily, civilly, and morally; type of the spiritual redemption by the price of Jesus Christ's blood (Pe1 1:18-19), the foundation of "judgment" and "righteousness," and so of pardon. The judgment and righteousness are God's first (Isa 42:21; Rom 3:26); so they become man's when "converted" (Rom 8:3-4); typified in the display of God's "justice," then exhibited in delivering His covenant-people, whereby justice or "righteousness" was produced in them. converts--so MAURER. But Margin, "they that return of her," namely the remnant that re”
- 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).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 105:42: 105:42-45 The story of redemption is also the story of the Lord’s faithfulness.”
- 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”
- 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”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 130:7: 130:7-8 Israel is invited to hope in the Lord (9:18; 27:14; 131:3) because the Lord pays the costly price for redemption and covers whatever sin separates humans from him (see also 111:9; Exod 6:6-8; 2 Sam 7:23-24; Isa 43:1-4; Titus 2:14; Heb 9:12; 1 Pet 1:18).”