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Demonstrating Redemption through Christian Character and Behavior

Demonstrating Redemption through Christian Character and Behavior

The concept of redemption is central to Christian theology, referring to the act of being "bought back" from a state of sin and its consequences through the payment of a ransom, specifically the sacrifice of Jesus Christ [1]. This redemption is not merely a legal or forensic transaction but is expected to manifest in the lives of believers through their character and behavior.

The biblical basis for understanding redemption is rooted in various passages. Luke 1:77 speaks of giving "knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins" [3]. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 3:24 about being "justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ" [5]. These passages underscore that redemption involves both the forgiveness of sins and the transformative power of God's grace.

Christian character and behavior are shaped by this understanding of redemption. According to Torrey's Topical Textbook, characteristics of Christian conduct include believing in God, fearing God, loving God, and following God's example [4]. Believers are also called to follow Christ's example, obey Him, and live to righteousness, walking honestly and soberly [4]. Self-denial is another key aspect, involving denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, controlling the appetite, and abstaining from fleshly lusts [2].

The connection between redemption and Christian living is further emphasized in the writings of the apostle Paul. In Galatians 2:20, Paul states, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me," indicating a profound transformation that occurs in the believer, where the old self is crucified with Christ, and a new life is lived by the indwelling power of Christ [8]. This transformation is not limited to the individual but is meant to be evident in their relationships and actions, as seen in Ephesians 5:2, where believers are encouraged to walk in love, following Christ's example [9].

Different Christian traditions interpret the implications of redemption for Christian character and behavior in various ways. For instance, the Methodist/Wesleyan tradition, as represented by Adam Clarke's commentary on Hebrews, emphasizes the merciful nature of God in providing redemption through Christ's sacrifice, highlighting the pardon of sins and the believer's new relationship with God [10]. The Baptist/Reformed tradition, as seen in John Gill's commentary on Isaiah, underscores that redemption by Christ is the source and foundation of other blessings of grace, such as justification and conversion [11].

The practical outworking of redemption in a believer's life includes diligence in seeking God, obeying Him, and cultivating Christian graces [6]. Early rising is also cited as a practice that illustrates spiritual diligence, with examples from biblical figures like Abraham, Isaac, and David [7].

Sources

  1. 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”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
  3. Luke “Luke 1:77 (KJV) — To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Conduct, Christian — Believing God -- Mr 11:22; Joh 14:11,12. Fearing God -- Ec 12:13; 1Pe 2:17. Loving God -- De 6:5; Mt 22:37. Following God -- Eph 5:1; 1Pe 1:15,16. Obeying God -- Lu 1:6; 1Jo 5:3. Rejoicing in God -- Ps 33:1; Hab 3:18. Believing in Christ -- Joh 6:29; 1Jo 3:23. Loving Christ -- Joh 21:15; 1Pe 1:7,8. Following the example of Christ -- Joh 13:15; 1Pe 2:21-24. Obeying Christ -- Joh 14:21; 15:14. Living To Christ. -- Ro 14:8; 2Co 5:15. To righteousness. -- Mic 6:8; Ro 6:18; 1Pe 2:24. Soberly, righteously, and godly. -- Tit 2:12. Walking Honestly. -- 1”
  5. Romans “Romans 3:24 (Webster) — Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ:”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
  7. 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 ”
  8. Galatians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Galatians 2:20: 2:20 A law-free Good News does not lead to lawlessness, as Paul’s opponents argued (2:17), because lawlessness is a response of the unredeemed. The redeemed Christian has been crucified with Christ. See also Col 2:11-14, 20-23. A Christian has laid aside the old self, which strove to achieve merit by keeping the law (cp. Rom 7:4-6). • It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me: Christians, having experienced Christ’s death and resurrection (Rom 6:1-14), have new hearts (see Jer 31:31-34; 32:38-41; Ezek 11:19-20; 36:24-31) by the indwelling power of the ”
  9. Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 5:2: 5:2 Christ’s love is shown especially in his offering himself as a sacrifice for us (cp. 5:25; John 15:13; Rom 5:8). Christian love is motivated by and modeled after Christ’s sacrificial love (see Phil 2:5-8). • Paul draws on Old Testament imagery, where the smell of a burning sacrifice was a pleasing aroma to God (see Lev 1:9; 2:2; cp. Rom 12:1).”
  10. Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 8:12: I will be merciful to their unrighteousness - In order to be their God, as mentioned under the preceding verse, it is requisite that their iniquity should be pardoned; this is provided for by the immolation of Jesus Christ as the covenant sacrifice. By his blood, redemption has been purchased, and all who with penitent hearts believe on the Lord Jesus receive remission of sins, and God remembers their iniquities no more against them so as to punish them on that account. All spiritual evil against the nature and law of God is represented here under the following ter”
  11. Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 1:27: Zion shall be redeemed with judgment,.... The blessing of redemption by Christ is the source and foundation of the other blessings of grace, before mentioned, the little remnant are favoured with, as justification, pardon of sin, and conversion, Isa 1:18, Isa 1:25 it is of a spiritual nature; the redemption of the soul is a deliverance from the captivity of sin, Satan, and the law, and is plenteous and eternal; the objects of redeeming grace are "Zion" and her converts; not the world, but the church is redeemed by Christ; for by Zion is meant, not a place, but peopl”
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