Biblical Theology of Sin and Redemption

The biblical understanding of sin centers on humanity's rebellion against God, leading to a state of separation and deserving of divine wrath, while redemption describes God's gracious act of delivering humanity from this state through the work of Jesus Christ.

The Nature of Sin

Sin is fundamentally a transgression against God's law and character. It is not merely a set of isolated actions but a pervasive condition affecting all humanity ^[10]. The prophet Daniel's confession, for instance, acknowledges the collective sin of his people, identifying himself with their transgressions ^[20]. The Bible describes sin in various ways:

Disobedience and Rebellion: The first sin, as depicted in Genesis 3, involved Adam and Eve's disobedience to God's direct command, driven by a desire to be like God ^[12]. This act introduced sin into the human experience, leading to a "love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters—a preference of the creature to the Creator" ^[12]. Deliberate sins are often characterized by an insolent or arrogant attitude, reflecting rebellion against God ^[13].
Inherent Corruption: All human beings are born with a sinful nature ^[10]. This inherent corruption means that even after conversion, individuals still contend with the "sin of our corrupt old nature" ^[15]. The apostle Paul highlights this universal sinfulness, stating that both Gentiles and Jews are "equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own" ^[14].
Violation of God's Law: Sin is often equated with lawlessness (1 John 3:4). It encompasses "all sorts of sinful acts" ^[11]. The Old Testament law, particularly the Ten Commandments, delineates specific actions that constitute sin.
Consequences of Sin: The ultimate consequence of sin is eternal death, described as banishment from God, society with the devil, a lake of fire, and outer darkness ^[4]. This "eternal death" is the "wages of sin" and the "necessary consequence of sin" ^[4]. God's anger is a "necessary response to sin," not merely an emotional outburst, and the Old Testament frequently depicts this divine wrath ^[14].

Confession and Repentance

Before redemption can be fully realized, the biblical narrative emphasizes the importance of confession and repentance. Confession involves acknowledging one's sin before God ^[3]. God requires confession (Leviticus 5:5; Hosea 5:15) and regards it favorably (Job 33:27-28; Daniel 9:20-23) ^[3]. This confession should be full and unreserved (Psalm 32:5; 51:3) ^[3].

Repentance, closely linked with confession, involves a change of mind and heart that leads to a turning away from sin. It should be accompanied by submission to punishment (Leviticus 26:41), prayer for forgiveness (Psalm 25:11), self-abasement (Isaiah 64:5-6), godly sorrow (Psalm 38:18), and forsaking sin (Proverbs 28:13) ^[3]. Restitution is also a crucial aspect of repentance when applicable, requiring the sinner to restore what was taken or damaged, adding a fifth part to it (Numbers 5:7; Leviticus 6:4) ^{[2, 9]}. The doctrine of repentance is considered a "first principle of the gospel" and a "blessing of the covenant, a gift of God's grace" ^[17]. God's long-suffering is intended to lead people to repentance (Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9) ^[7].

The Doctrine of Redemption

Redemption, in biblical theology, signifies deliverance from the bondage and penalty of sin. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Meaning of Redemption: The term "redemption" implies a purchase or ransom, freeing someone from slavery or captivity ^[19]. In the context of sin, it means being freed from the "power, guilt, and penal consequences of sin" ^[19]. This redemption is "the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:14) ^[6].
The Agent of Redemption: Redemption is effected by Christ alone (John 1:29; Acts 4:10-12; 1 Timothy 2:5-6) ^[5]. He voluntarily offered himself (John 10:11, 15, 17-18) ^[5]. As our kinsman, Christ became human to redeem humanity from its bondage to sin ^[19].
The Basis of Redemption: Atonement: The atonement is the means by which redemption is achieved. It is explained as God reconciling humanity to himself through Christ (Romans 5:8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19) ^[5]. The atonement was foreordained by God (Romans 3:25; 1 Peter 1:11, 20) and foretold in the Old Testament (Isaiah 53:4-6; Daniel 9:24-27) ^[5]. It demonstrates God's grace and mercy (Romans 8:32; Ephesians 2:4-5) and his love (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:9-10), while also reconciling God's justice and mercy ^[5].
Forgiveness of Sins: Forgiveness is a core component of redemption. It means God absolves the sinner from the condemnation of the law, removing the guilt of sin and the "sinner's actual liability to eternal wrath" ^[1]. This act of grace frees the sinner from the guilt and penalty of sins forever ^[1]. Forgiveness is God's unique prerogative (Psalm 130:4; Mark 2:5) and is offered freely to all in the gospel (Acts 5:31; 1 John 1:6-9) ^[1].
Results of Redemption: Through redemption, believers are claimed by Christ, and in Christ, they are ultimately claimed by God (1 Corinthians 3:23; 6:19-20) ^[16]. The Lord "redeemeth the soul of his servants," which is a precious act, though it encompasses the whole person ^[18].

The Ongoing Struggle and Hope

While redemption offers complete forgiveness and freedom from the penalty of sin, the struggle against sin continues for believers. The apostle John notes that to claim "we have not sinned" is to make God a liar, referring to the commission of actual sins even after regeneration ^[15]. However, the godly are characterized by their fight against their sinful nature, in contrast to the wicked who indulge it ^[10]. The hope of the believer is rooted in the resurrection, a doctrine affirmed in both the Old and New Testaments (Job 19:26; Daniel 12:2; 1 Corinthians 15:13-14) ^[8]. This resurrection is not incredible or contrary to reason, and it was assumed and proved by Jesus and preached by the apostles ^[8].

Sources

Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Forgiveness of sin — One of the constituent parts of justification. In pardoning sin, God absolves the sinner from the condemnation of the law, and that on account of the work of Christ, i.e., he removes the guilt of sin, or the sinner's actual liability to eternal wrath on account of it. All sins are forgiven freely (Acts 5:31; 13:38; 1 John 1:6-9). The sinner is by this act of grace for ever freed from the guilt and penalty of his sins. This is the peculiar prerogative of God (Ps. 130:4; Mark 2:5). It is offered to all in the gospel. (See [219]JUSTIFICATION.)”
Numbers “then he shall confess his sin which he has done, and he shall make restitution for his guilt in full, and add to it the fifth part of it, and give it to him in respect of whom he has been guilty. -- Numbers 5:7”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Confession of Sin — God requires -- Le 5:5; Ho 5:15. God regards -- Job 33:27,28; Da 9:20-23. Exhortation to -- Jos 7:19; Jer 3:13; Jas 5:16. Promises to -- Le 26:40-42; Pr 28:13. Should be accompanied with Submission to punishment. -- Le 26:41; Ne 9:33; Ezr 9:13. Prayer for forgiveness. -- 2Sa 24:10; Ps 25:11; 51:1; Jer 14:7-9,20. Self-abasement. -- Isa 64:5,6; Jer 3:25. Godly sorrow. -- Ps 38:18; La 1:20. Forsaking sin. -- Pr 28:13. Restitution. -- Nu 5:6,7. Should be full and unreserved -- Ps 32:5; 51:3; 106:6. Followed by pardon -- Ps 32:5; 1Jo 1:9. Illustrated -”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Death, Eternal — The necessary consequence of sin -- Ro 6:16,21; 8:13; Jas 1:15. The wages of sin -- Ro 6:23. The portion of the wicked -- Mt 25:41,46; Ro 1:32. The way to, described -- Ps 9:17; Mt 7:13. Self-righteousness leads to -- Pr 14:12. God alone can inflict -- Mt 10:28; Jas 4:12. Is described as Banishment from God. -- 2Th 1:9. Society with the devil &c. -- Mt 25:41. A lake of fire. -- Re 19:20; 21:8. The worm that dies not. -- Mr 9:44. Outer darkness. -- Mt 25:30. A mist of darkness for ever. -- 2Pe 2:17. Indignation, wrath, &c. -- Ro 2:8,9. Is called Destr”
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; ”
Colossians “Colossians 1:14 (BSB) — in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Long-Suffering of God, The — Is part of his character -- Ex 34:6; Nu 14:18; Ps 86:15. Salvation, the object of -- 2Pe 3:15. Through Christ's intercession -- Lu 13:8. Should lead to repentance -- Ro 2:4; 2Pe 3:9. An encouragement to repent -- Joe 2:13. Exhibited in forgiving sins -- Ro 3:25. Exercised toward His people. -- Isa 30:18; Eze 20:17. The wicked. -- Ro 9:22; 1Pe 3:20. Plead in prayer -- Jer 15:15. Limits set to -- Ge 6:3; Jer 44:22. The wicked Abuse. -- Ec 8:11; Mt 24:48,49. Despise. -- Ro 2:4. Punished for despising. -- Ne 9:30; Mt 24:48-51; Ro 2:5. Illustr”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resurrection, The — A doctrine of the Old Testament -- Job 19:26; Ps 16:10; 49:15; Isa 26:19; Da 12:2; Ho 13:14. A first principle of the gospel -- 1Co 15:13,14; Heb 6:1,2. Expected by the Jews -- Joh 11:24; Heb 11:35. Denied by the Sadducees -- Mt 22:23; Lu 20:27; Ac 23:8. Explained away by false teachers -- 2Ti 2:18. Called in question by some in the church -- 1Co 15:12. Is not incredible -- Mr 12:24; Ac 26:8. Is not contrary to reason -- Joh 12:24; 1Co 15:35-49. Assumed and proved by our Lord -- Mt 22:29-32; Lu 14:14; Joh 5:28,29. Preached by the Apostles -- Ac 4:”
Leviticus “Leviticus 6:4 (NASB) — then it shall be, when he sins and becomes guilty, that he shall restore what he took by robbery or what he got by extortion, or the deposit which was entrusted to him or the lost thing which he found,”
Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 1:10: Parallel to Jo1 1:8. we have not sinned--referring to the commission of actual sins, even after regeneration and conversion; whereas in Jo1 1:8, "we have no sin," refers to the present GUILT remaining (until cleansed) from the actual sins committed, and to the SIN of our corrupt old nature still adhering to us. The perfect "have . . . sinned" brings down the commission of sins to the present time, not merely sins committed before, but since, conversion. we make him a liar--a gradation; Jo1 1:6, "we lie"; Jo1 1:8, "we deceive ourselves"; worst of al”
1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 3:23: 3:23 Just as they may now claim everything as their own, so Christ has claimed them for himself (see Rom 14:7-9), and in Christ they are ultimately claimed by God (see 1 Cor 6:19-20; 7:23).”
Luke (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Luke 24:44: And that repentance and remission of sins,.... Which are the sum of the Gospel ministry; see Act 20:21 the doctrine of "repentance" is not of the law, which neither requires, nor admits of it, but of the Gospel. The Persic version calls it, "the Gospel of repentance"; a doctrine preached by John the Baptist, Christ, and his apostles; and the thing itself is a blessing of the covenant, a gift of God's grace, and in the hands of Christ to bestow; and therefore the doctrine of it is published in his name, as well as remission of sins; which, though it springs from the fre”
Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 34:21: The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants,.... Who are made so by his grace in the day of his power, and are willing to serve him, and to serve him with their minds, readily and cheerfully; and the soul of these, which is the more noble part of them, and is of more worth than a world, the redemption of which is precious, and requires a great price, the Lord redeems; not that their bodies are neglected, and not redeemed; but this is mentioned as the principal part, and for the whole; and this redemption is by the Lord, who only is able to effect it, and which he has”
Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 1:7: In whom--"the Beloved" (Eph 1:6; Rom 3:24). we have--as a present possession. redemption--Greek, "our (literally, 'the') redemption"; THE redemption which is the grand subject of all revelation, and especially of the New Testament (Rom 3:24), namely, from the power, guilt, and penal consequences of sin (Mat 1:21). If a man were unable to redeem himself from being a bond-servant, his kinsman might redeem him (Lev 25:48). Hence, antitypically the Son of God became the Son of man, that as our kinsman He might redeem us (Mat 20:28). Another "redempti”
Daniel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Daniel 9:4: my confession--according to God's promises in Lev 26:39-42, that if Israel in exile for sin should repent and confess, God would remember for them His covenant with Abraham (compare Deu 30:1-5; Jer 29:12-14; Jam 4:10). God's promise was absolute, but prayer also was ordained as about to precede its fulfilment, this too being the work of God in His people, as much as the external restoration which was to follow. So it shall be at Israel's final restoration (Psa 102:13-17). Daniel takes his countrymen's place of confession of sin, identifying himself with”

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