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God's Selfless Love in Redemption and Salvation

God's selfless love is a foundational attribute of His character, consistently described in scripture as great, abiding, unfailing, and everlasting [2, 5]. This divine love is not contingent upon human merit but is sovereign and given irrespective of it [2]. It forms the basis for both redemption and salvation, manifesting particularly towards perishing sinners and His saints [2].

The concept of God's love is deeply intertwined with His nature, as expressed in passages like 2 Corinthians 13:11 and 1 John 4:8, which state that "God is love" [2]. This love is further characterized by its constancy and depth, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3, where God declares an "everlasting love," and in Zephaniah 3:17, which speaks of His abiding love [2]. The prophet Isaiah emphasizes its unfailing nature, comparing it to a mother's inability to forget her nursing child, stating that God will not forget His people [2]. This unwavering love is the bedrock of the psalmist's trust, leading to rejoicing in God's salvation (Psalm 13:5) [3].

Redemption, in biblical terms, signifies a deliverance or buying back, often from bondage or a state of sin [8]. The very name "Geuel" means "God's redemption," and "Iphedeiah" means "redemption of the Lord," highlighting the divine origin of this act [4, 7]. Scripture consistently attributes redemption to God, as seen in Isaiah 44:21-23 and Luke 1:68 [8]. This redemption is primarily accomplished through Christ, who is sent to effect it (Matthew 20:28; Galatians 3:13; 4:4-5) [8]. The means of this redemption is explicitly stated as the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 9:12; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:9), signifying a costly and sacrificial act of love [8]. Through Christ, believers are redeemed from the bondage and curse of the law, the power of sin, and ultimately from all iniquity and evil (Galatians 3:13; 4:5; Romans 6:18, 22; Titus 2:14) [8].

Salvation is presented as a gift of God's grace, not earned by human actions or merit [9, 10]. Ephesians 2:8-9 explicitly states, "It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved," emphasizing that salvation is "not by works, so that no one can boast" [9]. This aligns with Titus 3:5, which contrasts human actions that might be thought to merit salvation with God's grace, asserting that salvation is "not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy" [10]. Adam Clarke notes that because humanity is "corrupt in their nature, and sinful in their practice," they "could possess no merit, nor have any claim upon God," making God's "infinite love" the "groundwork of our salvation" [18]. This love takes the form of mercy, which provides the Savior, Jesus Christ [18].

The process of salvation involves a profound transformation. Believers are "made alive together with Christ," sharing in His resurrection both now and in the future (Ephesians 2:5-6) [9, 14]. This union with Christ means believers "share God’s glory and blessings" [14]. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this new life, washing away sins and giving a new birth, signifying a "complete departure from the life of sin and death and a transfer into the realm of life and purity" (Titus 3:5) [10]. This transformation results in a "new nature" in Christ, where believers "strip off their old life and put on Christ’s new life" (Colossians 3:9-10) [13]. God "has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us," indicating that good works are a result of salvation, not its cause (Ephesians 2:10) [11]. The Spirit of God works through a transformed heart to produce a good life, characterized by virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) [11, 15].

God's selfless love is further demonstrated in His unwavering faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 affirms that "The faithful love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness" [20]. This faithfulness is the basis for recovery from despair and provides salvation from death [20]. Even in judgment, God's faithfulness is evident, as He remains faithful in bringing restoration to those who return to Him [20]. The Lord's love and forgiveness are described as infinite and complete (Psalm 103:11-12) [17].

The scope of God's love extends to all, including Gentiles who believe, who are no longer considered "strangers and foreigners" but are "fully accepted into God’s family" and become "children of God, just like believing Jews" (Ephesians 2:19) [12]. This demonstrates the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan, rooted in His great love and mercy (Ephesians 2:4) [19]. The gifts and calling of God are "without repentance" (Romans 11:29), indicating the steadfastness of His divine purpose and love [1]. Believers are called to respond to this love by loving God with all their heart, which is presented as the "first great commandment" (Matthew 22:38) [6]. This love for God is produced by the Holy Spirit and manifests in obedience to God and love for fellow saints (Galatians 5:22; 1 John 4:19; 5:1, 3) [6]. Even in adversities, believers are encouraged to give thanks to God and the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ, recognizing Him as the "Fountain of every blessing in Creation, Providence, Election, and Redemption" [16].

Sources

  1. Romans “Romans 11:29 (KJV) — For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Love of God, The — Is a part of his character -- 2Co 13:11; 1Jo 4:8. Christ, the especial object of -- Joh 15:9; 17:26. Christ abides in -- Joh 15:10. Described as Sovereign. -- De 7:8; 10:15. Great. -- Eph 2:4. Abiding. -- Zep 3:17. Unfailing. -- Isa 49:15,16. Unalienable. -- Ro 8:39. Constraining. -- Ho 11:4. Everlasting. -- Jer 31:3. Irrespective of merit -- De 7:7; Job 7:17. Manifested towards Perishing sinners. -- Joh 3:16; Tit 3:4. His saints. -- Joh 16:27; 17:23; 2Th 2:16; 1Jo 4:16. The destitute. -- De 10:18. The cheerful giver. -- 2Co 9:7. Exhibited in The g”
  3. Psalms “But I trust in your loving kindness. My heart rejoices in your salvation. -- Psalms 13:5”
  4. Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Geuel — God's redemption”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Loving-Kindness of God, The — Is through Christ -- Eph 2:7; Tit 3:4-6. Described as Great. -- Ne 9:17. Excellent. -- Ps 36:7. Good. -- Ps 69:16. Marvellous. -- Ps 17:7; 31:21. Multitudinous. -- Isa 63:7. Everlasting. -- Isa 54:8. Merciful. -- Ps 117:2. Better than life. -- Ps 63:3. Consideration of the dealings of God gives a knowledge of -- Ps 107:43. Saints Betrothed in. -- Ho 2:19. Drawn by. -- Jer 31:3. Preserved by. -- Ps 40:11. Quickened after. -- Ps 119:88. Comforted by. -- Ps 119:76. Look for mercy through. -- Ps 51:1. Receive mercy through. -- Isa 54:8. Are ”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Love to God — Commanded -- De 11:1; Jos 22:5. The first great commandment -- Mt 22:38. With all the heart -- De 6:5; Mt 22:37. Better than all sacrifices -- Mr 12:33. Produced by The Holy Spirit. -- Ga 5:22; 2Th 3:5. The love of God to us. -- 1Jo 4:19. Answers to prayer. -- Ps 116:1. Exhibited by Christ -- Joh 14:31. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 5:11. Should produce Joy. -- Ps 5:11. Love to saints. -- 1Jo 5:1. Hatred of sin. -- Ps 97:10. Obedience to God. -- De 30:20; 1Jo 5:3. Perfected in obedience -- 1Jo 2:5. Perfected, gives boldness -- 1Jo 4:17,18. God, faith”
  7. Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Iphedeiah — redemption of the Lord”
  8. 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”
  9. Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:5: 2:5 gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead (literally made us alive together with Christ): Joined with Christ, believers share in his resurrection, now and in the future (see 2:6; Rom 6:4-14; Col 3:1-4). • It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved: See Eph 1:2; 2:8-9.”
  10. Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:5: 3:5 not because . . . but because: The contrast is between human actions that might be thought to merit salvation and God’s grace (see Gal 2:16). Salvation is through faith in God’s mercy alone (Eph 2:8). • He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth: See Ezek 16:9; John 3:1-15; Eph 5:26; Heb 10:22; 2 Pet 1:9. • and new life through the Holy Spirit: This signifies a complete departure from the life of sin and death and a transfer into the realm of life and purity (see also Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 5:17; Col 3:10).”
  11. Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:10: 2:10 He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us: Good works are the result, not the cause, of salvation. God’s Spirit, working through a transformed heart, produces a good life (Gal 5:22-23).”
  12. Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:19: 2:19 Gentiles who believe are no longer strangers and foreigners (2:11-12, 17). Through Christ, they are fully accepted into God’s family. They become children of God, just like believing Jews (see Rom 8:14-17).”
  13. Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:9: 3:9-10 your old sinful nature . . . your new nature: Paul contrasts old and new identities (see also Rom 5:12-21; 6:6; Eph 4:22-24). Believers strip off their old life and put on Christ’s new life, allowing him to be Lord and to guide the way they live.”
  14. Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:6: 2:6 united with Christ Jesus: Because of this union, believers share God’s glory and blessings, and experience resurrection both now and in the future (see Rom 6:4-14; Col 2:12-13; 3:1-4).”
  15. Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 4:24: 4:24 A believer has a new nature: God’s Spirit expresses his life within the believer (see Col 3:10; cp. Gen 1:26; Rom 12:1-2; Gal 5:22-23). The transforming work of God’s Spirit is part of the gift of salvation (Eph 2:8-10).”
  16. Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 5:20: thanks . . . for all things--even for adversities; also for blessings, unknown as well as known (Col 3:17; Th1 5:18). unto God and the Father--the Fountain of every blessing in Creation, Providence, Election, and Redemption. Lord Jesus Christ--by whom all things, even distresses, become ours (Rom 8:35, Rom 8:37; Co1 3:20-23).”
  17. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 103:11: 103:11-12 The Lord’s love and forgiveness are infinite and complete.”
  18. Ephesians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Ephesians 2:4: But God, who is rich in mercy - As they were corrupt in their nature, and sinful in their practice, they could possess no merit, nor have any claim upon God; and it required much mercy to remove so much misery, and to pardon such transgressions. His great love - God's infinite love is the groundwork of our salvation; in reference to us that love assumes the form of mercy, and that mercy provides the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And therefore the apostle adds, Eph 2:5 : By grace ye are saved - it is by God's free mercy in Christ that ye are brought into this stat”
  19. Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:4: 2:4-10 By God’s mercy, kindness, and love, those who are joined to Jesus Christ are saved from the terrible consequences of their sin and enjoy the benefits of Christ’s resurrection.”
  20. Lamentations (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Lamentations 3:22: 3:22-33 God’s love and faithfulness never cease. Just as God had been faithful in bringing judgment on Jerusalem for their sins, he would be faithful in bringing restoration to those who returned to him. 3:22 The faithful love of the Lord is the basis for the poet’s recovery from deep depression. As with Jeremiah in the cistern (Jer 38:6-13) and Jonah in the stomach of the great fish (Jon 2:2-10), the Lord provided salvation from death.”
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