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Using Literary Examples to Illustrate Christ's Redemptive Work

Christ's redemptive work is a central tenet of Christian theology, often illustrated through various literary examples and biblical narratives that highlight His role as Savior, example, and the ultimate expression of God's character. These examples serve to clarify the multifaceted nature of redemption, encompassing forgiveness, sacrifice, and transformation.

One primary way Christ's redemptive work is illustrated is through His role as an example for believers. The New Testament frequently presents Jesus's life and actions as a pattern for His followers to emulate [5]. For instance, Christ set an example of forgiveness, even praying for those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34) [1]. This act underscores the unlimited nature of forgiveness that believers are called to practice (Matthew 18:22; Luke 17:4) [1]. Similarly, Christ's consistent practice of early rising for devotion (Mark 1:35; Luke 21:38; John 8:2) serves as an illustration of spiritual diligence for believers (Romans 13:11-12) [2]. His acts of service, such as washing the disciples' feet, are presented as an example of personal sacrifice and servanthood that His followers should adopt [20]. This is not merely a suggestion but a calling to patient endurance under suffering, as Christ Himself suffered innocently for humanity [18]. The apostle Peter explicitly states that Christ suffered for us, leaving an example for us to follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21) [5, 18].

Beyond His exemplary life, Christ's redemptive work is fundamentally understood through His sacrifice for sin. The concept of sin is deeply rooted in biblical understanding, described as a universal condition affecting all humanity from birth (Psalm 58:3) [10]. Sin is not merely isolated acts but a fundamental rebellion against God, characterized by insolence and arrogance [14]. It is described as "vanity" or "all sorts of sinful acts" [11]. The first sin, committed by Adam and Eve, is depicted as a "heinous and aggravated" act of disobedience, ingratitude, and a preference for the creature over the Creator [13]. This universal sinfulness means that humanity cannot find favor with God through their own actions [15]. The apostle John emphasizes that "He that committeth sin is of the devil," contrasting this with those who do righteousness [12]. To claim "we have not sinned" is to make God a liar [16].

In this context of pervasive sin, Christ's death on the cross is presented as the ultimate redemptive act. His suffering was not for His own transgressions but for the sins of humanity [18]. This sacrifice is the basis for the forgiveness of sins, demonstrating God's long-suffering and mercy (Romans 3:25) [3]. The resurrection of Christ is also integral to His redemptive work, serving as the "great proof of his divine mission" and a confirmation of Christian truth [19]. Baptism, for instance, is presented as a "like figure" to Christ's resurrection, saving believers by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21 KJV) [9]. Through His death and resurrection, Christ claims believers for Himself, and in Him, they are ultimately claimed by God (1 Corinthians 3:23) [17].

The power of Christ's redemptive work is also illustrated through the signs and wonders performed by His Spirit. The apostle Paul speaks of fully preaching the Good News of Christ "in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God’s Spirit" (Romans 15:19) [7]. The early church prayed for God to stretch out His hand to heal and for "signs and wonders" to be done through the name of Jesus (Acts 4:30) [8]. These miraculous demonstrations serve as tangible evidence of God's active presence and the transformative power inherent in Christ's redemptive mission.

Furthermore, Christ's redemptive work is illustrated through His embodiment of good works and compassion. He is presented as an example of "good works" (John 10:32; Acts 10:38) [6]. These good works are described as "good fruits," "fruits meet for repentance," and "fruits of righteousness" (James 3:17; Matthew 3:8; Philippians 1:11) [6]. They are performed through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God, and only those who abide in Christ can perform them (John 15:4-5) [6]. The Scriptures themselves are designed to lead believers to good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17) [6]. Christ also exemplified communion with God, demonstrating compassion towards the afflicted, the chastened, enemies, the poor, the weak, and other saints (Luke 19:41-42; Luke 10:33; 15:20) [4]. This communion is inseparable from love for God and is motivated by God's own compassion and an awareness of human infirmities [4].

The long-suffering of God, a characteristic of His nature (Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18), is directly linked to Christ's redemptive work. Its ultimate object is salvation (2 Peter 3:15), and it is exercised through Christ's intercession (Luke 13:8) [3]. This divine patience should lead individuals to repentance (Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9) and serves as an encouragement to turn to God (Joel 2:13) [3]. However, the abuse or despising of God's long-suffering leads to punishment (Romans 2:5) [3].

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Forgiveness of Injuries — Christ set an example of -- Lu 23:34. Commanded -- Mr 11:25; Ro 12:19. To be unlimited -- Mt 18:22; Lu 17:4. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 7:4. Motives to The mercy of God. -- Lu 6:36. Our need of forgiveness. -- Mr 11:25. God's forgiveness of us. -- Eph 4:32. Christ's forgiveness of us. -- Col 3:13. A glory to saints -- Pr 19:11. Should be accompanied by Forbearance. -- Col 3:13. Kindness. -- Ge 45:5-11; Ro 12:20. Blessing and prayer. -- Mt 5:44. Promises to -- Mt 6:14; Lu 6:37. No forgiveness without -- Mt 6:15; Jas 2:13. Illustrated --”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
  3. 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”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Communion With God — Christ set an example of -- Lu 19:41,42. Exhortation to -- Ro 12:15; 1Pe 3:8. Exercise towards The afflicted. -- Job 6:14; Heb 13:3. The chastened. -- Isa 22:4; Jer 9:1. Enemies. -- Ps 35:13. The poor. -- Pr 19:17. The weak. -- 2Co 11:29; Ga 6:2. Saints. -- 1Co 12:25,26. Inseparable from love to God -- 1Jo 3:17; Joh 4:20. Motives to The compassion of God. -- Mt 13:27,33. The sense of our infirmities. -- Heb 5:2. The wicked made to feel, for saints -- Ps 106:46. Promise to those who show -- Pr 19:17; Mt 10:42. Illustrated -- Lu 10:33; 15:20. Exemp”
  5. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Works, Good — Christ, an example of -- Joh 10:32; Ac 10:38. Called Good fruits. -- Jas 3:17. Fruits meet for repentance. -- Mt 3:8. Fruits of righteousness. -- Php 1:11. Works and labours of love. -- Heb 6:10. Are by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God -- Php 1:11. They alone, who abide in Christ can perform -- Joh 15:4,5. Wrought by God in us -- Isa 26:12; Php 2:13. The Scripture designed to lead us to -- 2Ti 3:16,17; Jas 1:25. To be performed in Christ's name -- Col 3:17. Heavenly wisdom is full of -- Jas 3:17. Justification unattainable by -- Ro 3:20; Ga 2”
  7. Romans “in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God’s Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and around as far as to Illyricum, I have fully preached the Good News of Christ; -- Romans 15:19”
  8. Acts “while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus.” -- Acts 4:30”
  9. I Peter “I Peter 3:21 (KJV) — The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”
  10. 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).”
  11. Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
  12. 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
  13. 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.”
  14. 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).”
  15. 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”
  16. 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”
  17. 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).”
  18. 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 2:21: Christ's example a proof that patient endurance under undeserved sufferings is acceptable with God. hereunto--to the patient endurance of unmerited suffering (Pe1 3:9). Christ is an example to servants, even as He was once in "the form of a servant." called--with a heavenly calling, though slaves. for us--His dying for us is the highest exemplification of "doing well" (Pe1 2:20). Ye must patiently suffer, being innocent, as Christ also innocently suffered (not for Himself, but for us). The oldest manuscripts for "us . . . us," read, "you . . . f”
  19. 2 Timothy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 2 Timothy 2:8: I. To encourage Timothy in suffering, the apostle puts him in mind of the resurrection of Christ (Ti2 2:8): Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead, according to my gospel. This is the great proof of his divine mission, and therefore a great confirmation of the truth of the Christian religion; and the consideration of it should make us faithful to our Christian profession, and should particularly encourage us in suffering for it. Let suffering saints remember this. Observe, 1. We are to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of”
  20. John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 13:14: 13:14-15 Jesus’ acts of service, such as washing feet and dying on the cross, provided an example of personal sacrifice to follow. • wash each other’s feet: Foot washing was so commonplace that Jesus might have intended a literal repetition of his act, or he might have seen it as symbolic. Either way, Jesus wants similar servanthood and sacrifice to characterize his followers.”
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