Redemptive Purpose in Biblical Examples and Parables
The concept of redemptive purpose is deeply rooted in biblical examples and parables, emphasizing God's intention to redeem humanity through various means. At its core, redemption involves the purchase back of something lost by the payment of a ransom, as indicated by the Greek word "apolutrosis" [1].
In the Old Testament, the idea of redemption is closely tied to the concept of a "goel," or redeemer, who is responsible for restoring the rights of another and avenging their wrongs (Lev. 25:48, 49; Num. 5:8; Ruth 4:1; Job 19:25; Ps. 19:14; 78:35). This title is peculiarly applied to Christ, who redeems humanity from all evil by the payment of a ransom [3].
The Psalms frequently express the desire for redemption, with the psalmist pleading for God to "plead my cause, and redeem me!" (Ps. 119:154) [2]. This redemption is not limited to spiritual liberation but also encompasses deliverance from physical troubles and enemies (Ps. 25:22; 106) [5].
In the New Testament, the redemptive purpose is fulfilled through Christ's atonement, which is explained in passages such as Romans 5:8-11 and 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19. Christ's redemption is voluntary, exhibiting God's grace and mercy (Ps. 40:6-8; Heb. 10:5-9; John 10:11, 15, 17, 18) [4].
The purpose of redemption is multifaceted. One purpose is to honor God through the praises of the redeemed (Isa. 43:21) [6]. Another is to enable humanity to serve God in holiness and righteousness without fear (Luke 1:74, 75) [7]. The redeemed are also expected to respond with praise to God's redemptive acts (Isa. 57:19) [8].
The biblical principle of retribution is closely linked to redemption, where the righteous are cared for and the wicked face demise (Ps. 1:6) [9]. God's redemptive acts demonstrate his righteousness, providing the character required for rule, judicial decisions, and relationships (Ps. 22:31) [10].
The Presbyterian interpretation of Isaiah 1:27 highlights that redemption is "temporarily, civilly, and morally; type of the spiritual redemption by the price of Jesus Christ's blood" [11]. This underscores the comprehensive nature of redemption, encompassing both temporal and spiritual aspects.
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”
- Psalms “Plead my cause, and redeem me! Revive me according to your promise. -- Psalms 119:154”
- 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: 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; ”
- 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”
- 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).”
- 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 ”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 57:19: 57:19 words of praise: God’s redemption should bring a response of praise from its recipients. • both near and far: Both Gentiles and Jews are included (see 56:3; John 10:16; Eph 2:17).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 1:6: 1:6 The Lord’s care for the righteous and the demise of the wicked both demonstrate the Lord’s principle of retribution (see Gal 6:7-10). The brief and futile lives of the wicked will end, whereas the Lord and his saints will triumph (see Pss 9:5, 6, 18; 10:16; 37:20; 73:27; 92:9; cp. 142:4; Isa 57:1). • The godly (see Pss 5:12; 14:5) are joyful (1:1) because the Lord protects and cares for them, hears them when they cry out for justice, and secures their future (see 121:3-4). • A person’s path is their life and character.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 22:31: 22:31 The Lord’s acts of redemption (40:9; 50:6; 71:15, 16, 24; 97:6) demonstrate that he is righteous (see 4:1). His righteousness provides the character required for rule, judicial decisions, and relationships. This virtue leads to harmony and order (see 50:6).”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 1:27: redeemed--temporarily, civilly, and morally; type of the spiritual redemption by the price of Jesus Christ's blood (Pe1 1:18-19), the foundation of "judgment" and "righteousness," and so of pardon. The judgment and righteousness are God's first (Isa 42:21; Rom 3:26); so they become man's when "converted" (Rom 8:3-4); typified in the display of God's "justice," then exhibited in delivering His covenant-people, whereby justice or "righteousness" was produced in them. converts--so MAURER. But Margin, "they that return of her," namely the remnant that re”