Three Phases of Redemption in Biblical Theology
The concept of redemption in biblical theology encompasses the idea of being "bought back" or restored to a previous state through the payment of a ransom or price. This concept is rooted in the Hebrew and Greek terminology used in the Bible, with words such as "goel" (redeemer) and "apolutrosis" (redemption) conveying the idea of liberation through a paid price [1, 3].
In biblical theology, redemption is often associated with three distinct phases or aspects. The first phase involves initial redemption or salvation from the penalty of sin. This is achieved through the death of Christ, who paid the ransom price for humanity's sins [2]. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, redemption is "by the blood of Christ" and is a fundamental aspect of Christian theology [2].
The second phase of redemption involves ongoing sanctification or redemption from the power of sin. This process begins at conversion and continues throughout a believer's life, as they are progressively freed from the influence of sin. The Tyndale House commentary on Romans 13:11 notes that salvation is often spoken of as a future event, implying that there is a sense in which redemption is not yet complete [6].
The third and final phase of redemption is the ultimate redemption of the believer's body at the return of Christ. This eschatological aspect of redemption involves the complete liberation of the believer from the presence of sin and its effects, resulting in glorification. The apostle Paul writes about this future aspect of redemption in Romans 8:23, where he speaks of the "redemption of our body" [6].
Various biblical passages and commentaries support this three-phase understanding of redemption. For example, the Tyndale House commentary on 1 John 2:12-14 notes that John distinguishes between different classes of believers at various stages of spiritual maturity, implying a progression in the redemption process [7]. Similarly, Jamieson, Fausset & Brown's commentary on Ezekiel 36:38 describes three stages in Israel's revival, which can be seen as a type or foreshadowing of the redemption process [5].
The concept of three phases or stages is not unique to the doctrine of redemption. Other biblical themes, such as repentance, also involve multiple elements. For instance, the Tyndale House commentary on Jeremiah 3:13 notes that true repentance involves acknowledging guilt, admitting rebellion, and confessing refusal to listen [4].
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”
- 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”
- 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.)”
- Jeremiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Jeremiah 3:13: 3:13 acknowledge your guilt . . . Admit that you rebelled . . . Confess that you refused to listen: Through these three elements of repentance, the people could demonstrate their willingness to receive the Lord’s salvation and restoration (Lev 26:40; Deut 30:1-5).”
- Ezekiel (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ezekiel 36:38: As the holy flock--the great flock of choice animals for sacrifice, brought up to Jerusalem at the three great yearly festivals, the passover, pentecost, and feast of the tabernacles. Three stages in Israel's revival present themselves to the prophet's eye. (1) The new awakening of the people, the resurrection of the dead (Eze 37:1-14). (2) The reunion of the formerly hostile members of the community, whose contentions had affected the whole (Eze 37:15-28). (3) The community thus restored is strong enough to withstand the assault of Gog, &c. (Eze. 3”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 13:11: 13:11 The New Testament often speaks of salvation as the final victory over sin and death that believers will experience when Jesus returns in glory (see 5:9-10).”
- 1 John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 John 2:12: 2:12-14 John gives three classes of believers at various stages of spiritual maturity: God’s children, the young in the faith (literally young people), and the mature in the faith (literally fathers).”