Redemption and Restoration through Repentance in Christianity
Redemption, in a biblical context, refers to the act of purchasing back something that was lost through the payment of a ransom [1]. The Greek term apolytrosis is used nine times in Scripture, consistently conveying the idea of a price or ransom paid [1]. This concept is evident in passages like Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45 [1]. The Old Testament, particularly in the Septuagint (LXX) version, also uses lutron to describe redemption in both human-to-human interactions and in humanity's relationship with God [1].
The New Testament emphasizes that believers "have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins" [3, 4]. This redemption is freely given by God's grace through Jesus Christ [2]. Christ is identified as the Redeemer, the goel in Hebrew, who is charged with restoring rights and avenging wrongs, ultimately redeeming humanity from evil by paying a ransom [6]. The atonement, which is the means by which this redemption is achieved, was foreordained and effected solely by Christ [8]. It demonstrates God's grace, mercy, and love [8].
Repentance is closely linked to redemption and restoration. The New Testament uses three Greek words for repentance [5]. Metamelomai signifies a change of mind leading to regret or remorse, but not necessarily a change of heart, as seen in Judas's repentance (Matthew 27:3) [5]. However, metanoeo and its cognate noun metanoia denote true repentance—a fundamental change of mind, purpose, and life, to which the remission of sin is promised [5]. This evangelical repentance is a turning away from sin and toward God [5, 7].
Repentance is commanded by God and Christ to all people [7]. It is a gift from God, often brought about by the operation of the Holy Spirit [7]. John Gill notes that repentance involves turning from the sin of crucifying Christ, acknowledging Him as the Messiah, receiving His doctrines, and submitting to His ordinances, leading to an external reform in life [9]. This change is not a means to earn forgiveness but is a necessary response to God's grace, allowing sins to be "blotted out" or forgiven [9]. The long-suffering and goodness of God are intended to lead individuals to repentance [7].
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”
- Romans “Romans 3:24 (Webster) — Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ:”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 1:7 (Webster) — In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
- Colossians “Colossians 1:14 (LITV) — in whom we have redemption through His blood, the remission of sins;”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Repentance — There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance. (1.) The verb metamelomai is used of a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matt. 27:3). (2.) Metanoeo, meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. This verb, with (3) the cognate noun metanoia, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised. Evangelical”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Redeemer — Heb. goel; i.e., one charged with the duty of restoring the rights of another and avenging his wrongs (Lev. 25:48, 49; Num. 5:8; Ruth 4:1; Job 19:25; Ps. 19:14; 78:35, etc.). This title is peculiarly applied to Christ. He redeems us from all evil by the payment of a ransom (q.v.). (See [524]REDEMPTION.)”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Repentance — What it is -- Isa 45:22; Mt 6:19-21; Ac 14:15; 2Co 5:17; Col 3:2; 1Th 1:9; Heb 12:1,2. Commanded to all by God -- Eze 18:30-32; Ac 17:30. Commanded by Christ -- Re 2:5,16; 3:3. Given by God -- Ac 11:18; 2Ti 2:25. Christ came to call sinners to -- Mt 9:13. Christ exalted to give -- Ac 5:31. By the operation of the Holy Spirit -- Zec 12:10. Called repentance to life -- Ac 11:18. Called repentance to salvation -- 2Co 7:10. We should be led to, by The long-suffering of God. -- Ge 6:3; 1Pe 3:20; 2Pe 3:9. The goodness of God. -- Ro 2:4. The chastisements of Go”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Atonement, The — Explained -- Ro 5:8-11; 2Co 5:18,19; Ga 1:4; 1Jo 2:2; 4:10. Foreordained -- Ro 3:25; 1Pe 1:11,20; Re 13:8. Foretold -- Isa 53:4-6,8-12; Da 9:24-27; Zec 13:1,7; Joh 11:50,51. Effected by Christ alone -- Joh 1:29,36; Ac 4:10,12; 1Th 1:10; 1Ti 2:5,6; Heb 2:9; 1Pe 2:24. Was voluntary -- Ps 40:6-8; Heb 10:5-9; Joh 10:11,15,17,18. Exhibits the Grace and mercy of God. -- Ro 8:32; Eph 2:4,5,7; 1Ti 2:4; Heb 2:9. Love of God. -- Ro 5:8; 1Jo 4:9,10. Love of Christ. -- Joh 15:13; Ga 2:20; Eph 5:2,25; Re 1:5. Reconciles the justice and mercy of God -- Isa 45:21; ”
- Acts (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Acts 3:19: Repent ye therefore,.... The Ethiopic version adds, "and be baptized"; see Gill on Act 2:38, and be converted. The apostle's sense is, repent of the sin of crucifying Christ, which is what he had been charging them with, and turn unto him, and acknowledge him as the Messiah; receive his doctrines, and submit to his ordinances; externally reform in life and conversation, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance, such as will show it to be true and genuine: that your sins may be blotted out; or forgiven, see Psa 51:9. Not that repentance and reformation procure the ”