Interpreting Scripture in Light of Redemption Theology
Redemption, in a biblical context, signifies the act of purchasing back something lost through the payment of a ransom [1]. The Greek term apolutrosis, appearing nine times in Scripture, consistently carries this meaning of a price paid for release [1]. This concept is central to understanding God's relationship with humanity and is applied uniquely to Christ as the Redeemer [3].
The Old Testament provides foundational examples of lutron (ransom) in human relations, such as in Leviticus 19:20 and Exodus 21:30, and also in humanity's relationship to God, as seen in Numbers 3:49 and 18:15 [1]. The Hebrew term goel for "redeemer" refers to one charged with restoring rights and avenging wrongs, a role specifically applied to Christ [3].
The New Testament articulates that redemption is accomplished by God through Christ [2]. It is specifically "by the blood of Christ" that this redemption occurs, as highlighted in passages like Acts 20:28, Hebrews 9:12, and Revelation 5:9 [2]. Christ's mission was to effect this redemption (Galatians 4:4-5), and He Himself is considered our redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30) [2].
The scope of redemption is broad, encompassing deliverance from various forms of bondage and evil. It frees believers from the bondage and curse of the law (Galatians 3:13, 4:5), the power of sin (Romans 6:18, 22), and all iniquity (Psalm 130:8; Titus 2:14) [2]. The purpose of this redemption is to enable believers to serve God "in holiness and righteousness before Him" without fear, as expressed in Luke 1:74-75 [6]. This service is a "priesthood of the New Testament" [6].
The story of redemption is also intertwined with God's faithfulness [5]. One significant purpose of redemption is to honor God through the praises of the redeemed (Isaiah 43:21; 1 Peter 2:9) [4]. The concept of redemption is not merely a doctrinal point but an experiential reality for believers, leading to a deeper knowledge of Christ and the power of His resurrection (Philippians 3:10) [8]. John Gill notes that the blessing of redemption by Christ is the source of other graces like justification, pardon of sin, and conversion, primarily for the church, referred to as Zion, rather than the entire world [7]. The understanding of these scriptural truths, particularly concerning Christ's sufferings, death, and resurrection, was opened to the disciples by Jesus Himself (Luke 24:42) [9].
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.)”
- 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).”
- 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.”
- 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 (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”
- Philippians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Philippians 3:10: That I may know him--experimentally. The aim of the "righteousness" just mentioned. This verse resumes, and more fully explains, "the excellency of the knowledge of Christ" (Phi 3:8). To know HIM is more than merely to know a doctrine about Him. Believers are brought not only to redemption, but to the Redeemer Himself. the power of his resurrection--assuring believers of their justification (Rom 4:25; Co1 15:17), and raising them up spiritually with Him, by virtue of their identification with Him in this, as in all the acts of His redeeming work”
- Luke (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Luke 24:42: Then opened he their understanding,.... He not only opened their hearts, to attend to what he said, and the proofs he gave of his resurrection from the dead in a true body; but he removed the veil from the eyes of their minds, and gave them an understanding of the sacred writings, respecting this matter: that they might understand the Scriptures; concerning his sufferings, death, and resurrection, which they were very ignorant of before, and which were as a sealed book unto them, Joh 20:9 though they had been from their infancy brought up to the reading of the Script”