God's Initiative in Redemption and Salvation History
The concept of God's initiative in redemption is deeply rooted in biblical theology. Names in the Bible often carry significant meaning, reflecting aspects of God's character or actions. For instance, names like Eliphaz ("the endeavor of God"), Geuel ("God's redemption"), and Iphedeiah ("redemption of the Lord") highlight God's role in redemption [1, 2, 3].
In the New Testament, the initiative for redemption is attributed to God. Acts 5:31 states that God exalted Jesus to his right hand as "Leader and Savior to grant repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins" [4]. This underscores God's proactive role in salvation. The Apostle Paul's writings further emphasize this concept. In Ephesians 2:5, it is written that God "made us alive together with Christ" [5]. This act of making believers alive with Christ is a demonstration of God's initiative in salvation.
The Protestant academic tradition, as seen in the Tyndale House commentary on Ephesians and Titus, emphasizes that salvation is entirely a work of God. According to Ephesians 2:10, believers are "created anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us" [7]. This new creation is a result of God's initiative, not human effort. Titus 3:5 highlights that salvation comes "because of his mercy, through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" [6]. This passage contrasts human actions with God's grace, emphasizing that salvation is not earned but is a gift from God.
The Presbyterian tradition, as represented by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, also underscores God's initiative in redemption. In their commentary on Ephesians 5:20, they note that thanks should be given "unto God and the Father--the Fountain of every blessing in Creation, Providence, Election, and Redemption" [8]. This highlights God's role as the source of all blessings, including redemption.
The Baptist/Reformed tradition, represented by John Gill's commentary on Psalms, emphasizes God's role in redemption. On Psalms 130:7, Gill notes that "The Lord shall do it; in whom Israel is encouraged to hope; with whom grace and redemption were; or who was appointed to be the Redeemer" [10]. This underscores the certainty of God's redemption.
In Philippians 1:6, it is written that "God, who began the good work within you, will carry it on to completion" [9, 11]. This passage reinforces the idea that God's initiative in salvation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. The work begun by God will be continued until its completion, reflecting God's faithfulness and commitment to the salvation of believers.
The biblical emphasis on God's initiative in redemption is a unifying theme across various Christian traditions. It underscores the understanding that salvation is a gift from God, initiated and completed by Him.
Sources
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Eliphaz — the endeavor of God”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Geuel — God's redemption”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Iphedeiah — redemption of the Lord”
- Acts “Acts 5:31 (LEB) — This one God has exalted to his right hand as Leader and Savior to grant repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:5: 2:5 gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead (literally made us alive together with Christ): Joined with Christ, believers share in his resurrection, now and in the future (see 2:6; Rom 6:4-14; Col 3:1-4). • It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved: See Eph 1:2; 2:8-9.”
- Titus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Titus 3:5: 3:5 not because . . . but because: The contrast is between human actions that might be thought to merit salvation and God’s grace (see Gal 2:16). Salvation is through faith in God’s mercy alone (Eph 2:8). • He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth: See Ezek 16:9; John 3:1-15; Eph 5:26; Heb 10:22; 2 Pet 1:9. • and new life through the Holy Spirit: This signifies a complete departure from the life of sin and death and a transfer into the realm of life and purity (see also Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 5:17; Col 3:10).”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:10: 2:10 He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us: Good works are the result, not the cause, of salvation. God’s Spirit, working through a transformed heart, produces a good life (Gal 5:22-23).”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 5:20: thanks . . . for all things--even for adversities; also for blessings, unknown as well as known (Col 3:17; Th1 5:18). unto God and the Father--the Fountain of every blessing in Creation, Providence, Election, and Redemption. Lord Jesus Christ--by whom all things, even distresses, become ours (Rom 8:35, Rom 8:37; Co1 3:20-23).”
- Phil (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Phil 1:6: 1:6 God, who began the good work within you: God takes the initiative to work his salvation in people (see Rom 9:16; Eph 1:3-8, 11; 2:4-10), so he can be trusted to continue his work of changing people into the likeness of his Son (see Rom 8:29; Eph 4:13, 15).”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 130:7: And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. The Lord shall do it; in whom Israel is encouraged to hope; with whom grace and redemption were; or who was appointed to be the Redeemer. Redemption was then future, when these words were said, but certain, by the promise of God and agreement of Christ; and would be of the whole Israel, or elect of God; and that from "all" their iniquities, original and actual; sins, secret and open, of heart, lip, and life: and which is no small encouragement for Israel to hope in the Lord, for the sake of which this is added; as w”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 1:6: 1:6 God, who began the good work within you: God takes the initiative to work his salvation in people (see Rom 9:16; Eph 1:3-8, 11; 2:4-10), so he can be trusted to continue his work of changing people into the likeness of his Son (see Rom 8:29; Eph 4:13, 15).”