Understanding the Larger Narrative of Redemption in Scripture
The larger narrative of redemption in Scripture is rooted in the concept of redemption itself, which involves the purchase back of something lost through the payment of a ransom [1]. This idea is central to the biblical story, where humanity's sin results in separation from God, and redemption is the means by which this separation is overcome.
In the Old Testament, the concept of redemption is associated with the Hebrew word "goel," meaning a kinsman who redeems or avenges [3]. This role is typified in figures like Boaz, who redeems Ruth's inheritance. Theologically, this concept is applied to God, who is seen as the Redeemer of Israel, delivering them from slavery and oppression.
The New Testament develops this concept further, with Jesus Christ being identified as the ultimate Redeemer. His sacrifice on the cross is seen as the ransom paid for humanity's redemption, securing forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God [2, 4]. As stated in Ephesians 1:7, "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" [2].
The purpose of redemption is multifaceted. It is not only to deliver humanity from the power, guilt, and penal consequences of sin but also to enable a life of service to God in holiness and righteousness [5]. According to Luke 1:74-75, redemption enables believers to "serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life" [5].
The narrative of redemption is also closely tied to the theme of salvation, which encompasses not just deliverance from sin but also the ultimate victory over sin and death at Christ's return [9]. As such, redemption is a key part of the larger story of salvation, which is characterized by God's faithfulness to his people [8].
Throughout Scripture, the story of redemption is presented as a source of praise and thanksgiving, highlighting God's initiative and grace in saving his people [6, 7]. As Matthew Henry notes on Colossians 1:12, the doctrine of redemption by Christ furnishes believers with "abundant matter of thanksgiving in every view of it" [7].
The biblical narrative of redemption is thus a comprehensive and multifaceted concept that underlies the entire story of Scripture, from the Old Testament types and shadows to the New Testament fulfillment in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes God's love and initiative in saving humanity and calls believers to a life of service and worship in response to this redemption.
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”
- King James Version “[KJV] Ephesians 1:7 — In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
- 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.)”
- Colossians “Colossians 1:14 (BSB) — in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
- 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 43:21: 43:21 One purpose of redemption is to honor God through the praises of the redeemed (see 1 Pet 2:9).”
- Colossians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Colossians 1:12: Here is a summary of the doctrine of the gospel concerning the great work of our redemption by Christ. It comes in here not as the matter of a sermon, but as the matter of a thanksgiving; for our salvation by Christ furnishes us with abundant matter of thanksgiving in every view of it: Giving thanks unto the Father, Col 1:12. He does not discourse of the work of redemption in the natural order of it; for then he would speak of the purchase of it first, and afterwards of the application of it. But here he inverts the order, because, in our sense and feeling of ”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 105:42: 105:42-45 The story of redemption is also the story of the Lord’s faithfulness.”
- 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).”