God's Initiative in the Redemption Process
God's Initiative in Redemption
The concept of God's initiative in the redemption process is rooted in biblical teachings that emphasize God's proactive role in saving humanity. The biblical narrative underscores that redemption is not a human achievement but a divine work initiated by God. According to Acts 5:31, God exalted Jesus to his right hand as Leader and Savior "to grant repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins" [1]. This passage highlights God's initiative in sending Jesus as Savior, thereby facilitating the redemption of humanity.
The term "redemption" itself is derived from the Greek word "apolutrosis," meaning a deliverance effected by the payment of a ransom. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines redemption as "the purchase back of something that had been lost, by the payment of a ransom" [4]. This definition is supported by various biblical references, including Luke 1:77, which speaks of giving "knowledge of salvation to His people in remission of their sins" [3].
The initiative of God in redemption is further emphasized in the writings of the apostle Paul. In Galatians 3:14, it is written that Christ "redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit" [2]. This passage illustrates that redemption is a work of Christ, initiated by God, to extend the Abrahamic blessing to the Gentiles.
Theological interpretations across different traditions affirm that God's initiative is fundamental to the redemption process. According to the Tyndale House commentary on Philippians 1:6, "God takes the initiative to work his salvation in people" [6, 7]. This understanding is supported by other biblical references, such as Romans 9:16 and Ephesians 1:3-8, 11; 2:4-10, which highlight God's sovereign role in salvation.
John Gill's commentary on Colossians 1:14 explains that redemption is "an excellent and wonderful blessing of grace saints have in and by Christ" [8]. It involves a deliverance from sin and its consequences, underscoring God's initiative in providing redemption through Christ's sacrifice.
The Psalms also reflect on God's redemptive work. Psalms 111:9 states, "Redemption He hath sent to His people, He hath appointed to the age His covenant, Holy and fearful is His name" [5]. This verse emphasizes God's action in sending redemption to his people, establishing a covenant that endures.
The significance of God's initiative in redemption is further highlighted in the context of Israel's salvation. According to John Gill's interpretation of Isaiah 1:27, "Zion shall be redeemed with judgment," indicating that redemption is a divine work that encompasses not only deliverance from captivity but also involves the righteous judgment of God [9].
The purpose of redemption, as noted in the Tyndale House commentary on Isaiah 43:21, is to honor God through the praises of the redeemed [10]. This perspective is echoed in 1 Peter 2:9, which describes believers as a "chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
Sources
- Acts “Acts 5:31 (LEB) — This one God has exalted to his right hand as Leader and Savior to grant repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.”
- Galatians “Galatians 3:14 (BSB) — He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”
- Luke “Luke 1:77 (YLT) — To give knowledge of salvation to His people In remission of their sins,”
- 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”
- Psalms “Psalms 111:9 (YLT) — Redemption He hath sent to His people, He hath appointed to the age His covenant, Holy and fearful <FI>is<Fi> His name.”
- Phil (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Phil 1:6: 1:6 God, who began the good work within you: God takes the initiative to work his salvation in people (see Rom 9:16; Eph 1:3-8, 11; 2:4-10), so he can be trusted to continue his work of changing people into the likeness of his Son (see Rom 8:29; Eph 4:13, 15).”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 1:6: 1:6 God, who began the good work within you: God takes the initiative to work his salvation in people (see Rom 9:16; Eph 1:3-8, 11; 2:4-10), so he can be trusted to continue his work of changing people into the likeness of his Son (see Rom 8:29; Eph 4:13, 15).”
- Colossians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Colossians 1:14: In whom we have redemption,.... Which is an excellent and wonderful blessing of grace saints have in and by Christ; and lies in a deliverance from sin, all sin, original and actual, under which they are held captive, in a state of nature, and by which they are made subject to the punishment of death; but through the sacrifice of Christ it is taken, and put away, finished, and made an end of; and they are freed from the damning power of it, or any obligation to punishment for it; and in consequence of this are delivered from the enslaving governing power of it by h”
- 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”
- 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).”