3 Aspects of Redemption

There are three doctrinal / theological terms which are often confused.

(1) Redemption is a bookkeeping term, and has to do with the sinward aspect of the death on the Cross of Jesus Christ. It is the transaction by which God undertook the cancelling of man’s sin.

(2) Propitiation is a legal term, and has to do with the Godward aspect of sin. It refers to the acceptance by God of this great transaction of His Son’s payment for our sin through which God is satisfied with the work of Christ.

(3) Reconciliation is a relational term somewhat similar to “atonement” in the Old Covenant. This is the manward aspect of the work at Calvary through which we are positioned in a place of acceptance because of the work of Christ.     

The word “redemption” or “redeem” means to buy back and set free. In our society you redeem something from a pawn shop. In regard to the salvation of a soul there is redemption by blood, redemption by power, and redemption through the Word of God. We see these three aspects in the first chapter of 1 Peter. 

Redemption by Blood  ~  This is the work of the Son. “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19 – also see Ephesians 1:7, Acts 20:28, and Hebrews 9:12).

Redemption by Power  ~  This is the work of the Father. “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God” (1 Peter 1:18-21).

Redemption through the Word  ~  This is the work of the Holy Spirit. “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the Word of God which lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:22-23 – also see Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30, and Romans 8:23).

There is redemption by blood through the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross, redemption by power through God the Father, and redemption through the Word of God being utilized by the Spirit of God in our hearts. These great fundamental truths should be clearly stated in every presentation of the Gospel—the “Good News” for everyone.

the “good news”  ~  “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:21-26).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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