Unity of God's Redemption in Scripture
The unity of God's redemption in Scripture is rooted in the biblical affirmation of one God, who is the sole creator and sustainer of the universe [1]. This fundamental doctrine is echoed throughout the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing God's singular role in redemption. The Shema, a foundational Jewish confession, declares, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4). Jesus himself cites this passage, affirming the unity of God (Mark 12:29).
The biblical narrative underscores God's unity in redemption through various themes and motifs. The concept of redemption is closely tied to the idea of God's sovereignty and His role as the sole redeemer. In Isaiah 44:6, God declares, "I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god." This assertion is reiterated in the New Testament, where the apostle Paul writes that there is "one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:6) [4].
The unity of God's redemption is also reflected in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament writers emphasize that Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5) [7]. His sacrifice on the cross is seen as the ultimate act of redemption, providing forgiveness and reconciliation for humanity [5]. The writer of Hebrews notes that Jesus' sacrifice is a once-for-all event, securing eternal redemption for those who trust in Him (Hebrews 9:12).
The biblical emphasis on the unity of God's redemption is not limited to the person of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is also seen as playing a crucial role in the redemption narrative. The apostle Paul writes that the Spirit is the "guarantee of our inheritance" (Ephesians 1:14), sealing believers in their faith and securing their redemption.
The unity of God's redemption is further underscored by the biblical emphasis on the church as a unified body. The apostle Paul writes that there is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5), highlighting the unity of the Christian community [4]. This unity is not merely a human achievement but is rooted in the divine work of redemption, which creates a new people for God's glory.
In the view of Presbyterian interpreters, the unity of God's redemption is closely tied to the doctrine of the Trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together in perfect harmony to accomplish redemption [6, 8]. This Trinitarian understanding of redemption underscores the unity and coherence of God's plan, emphasizing that redemption is a work of the one God in three persons.
The biblical doctrine of the unity of God's redemption has significant implications for Christian theology and practice. It underscores the importance of monotheistic worship, emphasizing that God alone is worthy of worship and adoration [1]. It also highlights the centrality of Jesus Christ in the redemption narrative, affirming that He is the sole mediator between God and humanity.
The unity of God's redemption is a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, from the creation narrative to the apocalyptic visions of Revelation. It is a testament to God's sovereignty, wisdom, and love, emphasizing that redemption is a work of the one true God, who is faithful to His people throughout history [3, 2].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Unity of God — A ground for obeying him exclusively -- De 4:39,40. A ground for loving him supremely -- De 6:4,5; Mr 12:29,30. Asserted by God himself. -- Isa 44:6,8; 45:18,21. Christ. -- Mr 12:29; Joh 17:3. Moses. -- De 4:39; 6:4. Apostles. -- 1Co 8:4,6; Eph 4:6; 1Ti 2:5. Consistent with the deity of Christ and of the Holy Spirit -- Joh 10:30; 1Jo 5:7; Joh 14:9-11. Exhibited in His greatness and wonderful works. -- 2Sa 7:22; Ps 86:10. His works of creation and providence. -- Isa 44:24; 45:5-8. His being alone possessed of fore-knowledge. -- Isa 46:9-11. His exercise”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Revelation 4:11 cross-references: Genesis 1:1, Exodus 20:11, Deuteronomy 32:4, 2 Samuel 22:4, 1 Chronicles 16:28, Nehemiah 9:5, Job 36:3, Psalms 18:3, Psalms 29:1, Psalms 68:34, Psalms 96:7, Proverbs 16:4, Isaiah 40:26, Isaiah 40:28, Jeremiah 10:11, Jeremiah 32:17, John 1:1, Acts 14:15, Acts 17:24, Romans 11:36, Ephesians 3:9, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:2, Hebrews 1:10, Revelation 5:2, Revelation 5:9, Revelation 5:12, Revelation 10:6, Revelation 14:7”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Genesis 1:1 cross-references: Exodus 20:11, Exodus 31:18, 2 Kings 19:15, 1 Chronicles 16:26, 2 Chronicles 2:11, Nehemiah 9:6, Job 26:13, Job 38:4, Psalms 8:3, Psalms 8:4, Psalms 33:6, Psalms 33:9, Psalms 89:11, Psalms 90:2, Psalms 96:5, Psalms 102:25, Psalms 104:24, Psalms 104:30, Psalms 115:15, Psalms 121:2, Psalms 124:8, Psalms 134:3, Psalms 136:5, Psalms 146:6, Psalms 148:4, Proverbs 3:19, Proverbs 8:22, Proverbs 16:4, Ecclesiastes 12:1, Isaiah 37:16, Isaiah 40:26, Isaiah 40:28, Isaiah 42:5, Isaiah 44:24, Isaiah 45:18, Isaiah 51:13, Isaiah 51:16, Isaiah 65:17, Jeremiah 10:12, Jeremiah 32:17”
- Ephesians “Ephesians 4:5 (KJV) — One Lord, one faith, one baptism,”
- King James Version “[KJV] Colossians 1:14 — In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 13:20: Concluding prayer. God of peace--So Paul, Rom 15:33; Rom 16:20; Co2 13:11; Phi 4:9; Th1 5:23; Th2 3:16. The Judaizing of the Hebrews was calculated to sow seeds of discord among them, of disobedience to their pastors (Heb 13:17), and of alienation towards Paul. The God of peace by giving unity of true doctrine, will unite them in mutual love. brought again from the dead--Greek, "brought up," &c.: God brought the Shepherd; the Shepherd shall bring the flock. Here only in the Epistle he mentions the resurrection. He would not conclude without menti”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 2:5: For there is one God--God's unity in essence and purpose is a proof of His comprehending all His human children alike (created in His image) in His offer of grace (compare the same argument from His unity, Rom 3:30; Gal 3:20); therefore all are to be prayed for. Ti1 2:4 is proved from Ti1 2:5; Ti1 2:1, from Ti1 2:4. The one God is common to all (Isa 45:22; Act 17:26). The one Mediator is mediator between God and all men potentially (Rom 3:29; Eph 4:5-6; Heb 8:6; Heb 9:15; Heb 12:24). They who have not this one God by one Mediator, have none: literall”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 13:14: The benediction which proves the doctrine of the Divine Trinity in unity. "The grace of Christ" comes first, for it is only by it we come to "the love of God" the Father (Joh 14:6). The variety in the order of Persons proves that "in this Trinity none is afore or after other" [Athanasian Creed]. communion--joint fellowship, or participation, in the same Holy Ghost, which joins in one catholic Church, His temple, both Jews and Gentiles. Whoever has "the fellowship of the Holy Ghost," has also "the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ," and "the love”