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

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

3 Christian Responsibilities

~ Present—Guard—Administer ~     

All Christians have three major responsibilities with respect to the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Responsibilities of an Ambassador (present the Gospel)  ~   “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned’” (Mark 16:15-16). And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42). “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

The Responsibilities of a Trustee (guard the Gospel)  ~  “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4). “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust” (1 Timothy 1:11).

The Responsibilities of a Steward (administer the Gospel)  ~   “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

Resources for Your Responsibilities  ~  “Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?” (1 Corinthians 9:7). “God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

NOTES:

(1)     The current TOP 10 ALN posts are listed at the very bottom of this home page.

(2)     There is an INDEX of all ALN posts accessed by scrolling down the left column.

(3)     You may LINK to any ALN posts on your own blog or website. 

(4)     You may COPY any ALN post, but please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight at http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/ .

7 Gospels

~ One Gospel: Seven Aspects ~          

Gospel of God ~  “Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:1-6). 

Gospel of the Grace of God  ~  “None of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). 

Gospel of Jesus Christ  ~  Mark begins his Gospel in the following manner, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the Prophets” (Mark 1:1-2). 

Gospel of Christ  ~  “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith’” (Romans 1:16-17). 

Gospel of Uncircumcision   ~  “But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter” (Galatians 2:6-7).

Gospel of Circumcision   ~  “But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter” (Galatians 2:6-7).

Gospel of Peace  ~  “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:14-16). 

conclusion:  Consider the encouraging fact that the Gospel/Good News of Jesus Christ, in all its aspects, is an Everlasting Gospel.

Everlasting Gospel  ~  “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water’” (Revelation 14:6-7). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW