Demonstrating Universal Need for Redemption with Gospel Sufficiency
The concept of redemption is central to Christian theology, emphasizing the universal need for salvation through Jesus Christ. The term "redemption" refers to the purchase back of something that had been lost, by the payment of a ransom [4]. In the biblical context, redemption signifies the deliverance of humanity from sin and its consequences through the sacrifice of Christ.
The biblical anchor for this concept is found in various passages, including Luke 1:77, which speaks of giving "knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins" [1]. The apostle Paul further elaborates on this in Romans 3:24, stating that believers are "justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" [2]. This redemption is not limited to a select group but is a universal offer, as indicated by the scope of God's salvation plan [9].
The nature of this redemption is multifaceted. It involves deliverance from the bondage of sin, the curse of the law, and the power of the grave [5]. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, redemption is "of God," "by Christ," and "by the blood of Christ" [5]. This comprehensive redemption is a cornerstone of the gospel message, emphasizing both the justice and mercy of God. As Adam Clarke notes on Romans 3:26, God's righteousness is declared through the dispensation of the Gospel, showcasing both his justice in requiring a sacrifice and his mercy in providing it [7].
The significance of Christ's redemption is underscored by its foreordination before the foundation of the world. As Jamieson, Fausset & Brown comment on 1 Peter 1:20, God's eternal foreordination of Christ's redeeming sacrifice refutes the notion that redemption was an afterthought [8]. This underscores the deliberate and gracious nature of God's plan to redeem humanity.
The application of this redemption to believers results in their being delivered from the hand of their enemies, enabling them to serve God in holiness and righteousness without fear [6]. This service is characterized by a life of obedience and faith, as believers are made partakers of the divine nature.
The assurance that comes from this redemption is a significant theme in Christian theology. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, "full assurance of faith" leaves no room for doubt, representing a fulness of faith in God [3]. This assurance is rooted in the understanding that redemption is not just a past event but a present reality that shapes the believer's walk with God.
The universal need for redemption is highlighted by the fact that all humanity is under sin, and the gospel offers salvation to all people. As Matthew Henry notes on Isaiah 56:1, the gospel salvation is "the salvation of the Lord," contrived and brought about by Him [9]. The preaching of this salvation is a proclamation of God's mercy and justice, calling people to repentance and faith.
Sources
- Luke “Luke 1:77 (KJV) — To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,”
- Romans “being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; -- Romans 3:24”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Assurance — The resurrection of Jesus (Acts 17:31) is the "assurance" (Gr. pistis, generally rendered "faith") or pledge God has given that his revelation is true and worthy of acceptance. The "full assurance [Gr. plerophoria, full bearing'] of faith" (Heb. 10:22) is a fulness of faith in God which leaves no room for doubt. The "full assurance of understanding" (Col. 2:2) is an entire unwavering conviction of the truth of the declarations of Scripture, a joyful steadfastness on the part of any one of conviction that he has grasped the very truth. The "full assurance ”
- 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”
- 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 ”
- Romans (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Romans 3:26: To declare, I say, at this time - To manifest now, by the dispensation of the Gospel, his righteousness, his infinite mercy; and to manifest it in such a way, that he might still appear to be the just God, and yet the justifier, the pardoner, of him who believeth in Jesus. Here we learn that God designed to give the most evident displays both of his justice and mercy. Of his justice, in requiring a sacrifice, and absolutely refusing to give salvation to a lost world in any other way; and of his mercy, in providing The sacrifice which his justice required. Thus, beca”
- 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”
- Isaiah (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Isaiah 56:1: The scope of these verses is to show that when God is coming towards us in a way of mercy we must go forth to meet him in a way of duty. I. God here tells us what are his intentions of mercy to us (Isa 56:1): My salvation is near to come - the great salvation wrought out by Jesus Christ (for that was the salvation of which the prophets enquired and searched diligently, Pe1 1:10), typified by the salvation of the Jews from Sennacherib or out of Babylon. Observe, 1. The gospel salvation is the salvation of the Lord. It was contrived and brought about by him; he glor”