Evidence of Redemption in Daily Behavior and Lifestyle
Evidence of Redemption in Daily Behavior and Lifestyle
The concept of redemption is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing the idea of being bought back or rescued from a state of bondage or captivity. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, redemption is defined as "the purchase back of something that had been lost, by the payment of a ransom" [1]. This concept is closely tied to the Greek word "apolutrosis," which occurs nine times in Scripture and always implies a ransom or price paid.
The evidence of redemption in daily behavior and lifestyle is multifaceted. Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights that redemption is not just a theological concept but is manifested in the lives of believers through their actions and behaviors. For instance, it is noted that redemption is "from the power of sin" and "the power of the grave" [2]. This implies that a redeemed individual should exhibit a transformed life, characterized by a departure from sinful behaviors.
One of the key aspects of a redeemed life is self-denial. Torrey's Topical Textbook emphasizes that self-denial is a test of devotedness to Christ and is necessary for following Him [3]. This involves denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, controlling one's appetite, and abstaining from fleshly lusts. Such behaviors are not merely moralistic but are rooted in the understanding that believers have been redeemed by Christ's blood (Ephesians 1:7) [4].
The book of Revelation underscores the importance of repentance and a return to one's first works as evidence of genuine redemption. Jesus exhorts the church in Ephesus to "repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lamp stand out of its place, unless you repent" [5]. This call to repentance and restoration of initial fervor indicates that redemption is not just a past event but has ongoing implications for daily life.
Furthermore, the concept of perseverance is closely linked to the evidence of redemption. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, perseverance is an evidence of reconciliation with God and of belonging to Christ [6]. This perseverance is manifested in seeking God, waiting upon Him, prayer, well-doing, and continuing in the faith. Such actions demonstrate that one's redemption is not just a legal declaration but a transformative reality.
The connection between worship and behavior is also significant. The commentary on Revelation 9:20-21 notes that what people worship parallels the ways in which they live, suggesting that true redemption leads to a life that honors God [7]. Conversely, continued engagement in sinful behaviors such as murder, witchcraft, immorality, and theft indicates a lack of genuine repentance and redemption.
The Protestant academic commentary on 2 Corinthians 5:9 highlights that the goal of the present life is to please Christ, and this ambition will be tested when believers stand before Him to be judged [8]. This underscores the importance of living a life that reflects one's redemption, as actions done in the earthly body will be assessed.
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”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 1:7 (Rotherham) — In whom we have the redemption through his blood, the remission of our offences, according to the riches of his favour,”
- Revelation “Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lamp stand out of its place, unless you repent. -- Revelation 2:5”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Perseverance — An evidence of reconciliation with God -- Col 1:21-23. An evidence of belonging to Christ -- Joh 8:31; Heb 3:6,14. A characteristic of saints -- Pr 4:18. To be manifested in Seeking God. -- 1Ch 16:11. Waiting upon god. -- Ho 12:6. Prayer. -- Ro 12:12; Eph 6:18. Well-doing. -- Ro 2:7; 2Th 3:13. Continuing in the faith. -- Ac 14:22; Col 1:23; 2Ti 4:7. Holding fast hope. -- Heb 3:6. Maintained through The power of God. -- Ps 37:24; Php 1:6. The power of Christ. -- Joh 10:28. The intercession of Christ. -- Lu 22:31,32; Joh 17:11. The fear of God. -- Jer 32”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 9:20: 9:20-21 Even when humans are faced with plagues and death, repentance is not automatic. People tend to continue in their evil deeds and to worship demons and idols—things that belong to the created order—rather than worshiping the Creator (see 13:4; 14:9-10; Rom 1:25; 1 Cor 8:4; 10:19-22). • murders . . . witchcraft . . . immorality . . . thefts: What people worship parallels the ways in which they live (see Rev 21:8; 22:15; Rom 1:23, 29-32). • Revelation portrays the extent to which depravity controls unbelievers. It is not logical for people to worship power”
- 2 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Corinthians 5:9: 5:9-10 The goal of the present life is to please him (see also Rom 12:1-2; 14:18; Col 1:10; 1 Thes 4:1). This ambition will be tested when we stand before Christ to be judged. The judge is also our advocate, so we are confident of acquittal (Rom 8:1, 33-34). Yet actions done in this earthly body will be assessed and called to account (Acts 17:31).”