The chosen doctrine in this paper is redemption. By definition, redemption may refer to the action of saving or being saved from evil, error or sin. In other words, it refers to the action of gaining or regaining possession of something in exchange for clearing a debt or payment. The doctrine of redemption, both in theology and in scripture is a vital depiction of the work of God in salvation. However, it must be noted that it is difficult to establish a single comprehensive term which can best describe the complete work of God on behalf of sinful men. In most cases, salvation is understood as the comprehensive term referring to the complete work of God in time and eternity for man. Therefore, redemption doctrine can be said to be concerned particularly with that aspect of salvation which was accomplished in the death of Jesus Christ.
In modern theology, it is observed that the historic concept of redemption has continued to receive considerable criticism. However, historic concept is vital in the study of the death of Jesus Christ which facilitates determination of the appropriate scriptural teaching on the act of redemption. The doctrine of redemption is offered a rich linguistic background in the Old Testament. The New Testament builds upon the linguistics offered in the Old Testament to provide the complete doctrine of redemption. In broader terms, redemption doctrine revolves around two primary concepts which are release of a ransom and to redeem or acquire the ransom released. The other terms that may be used in describing redemption doctrine are found in Luke 17:33 such as “to cause to remain over and above, to reserve or to save.” Also, in 1 st Timothy 3:13, redemption is described as acquire, gain or earn. In Acts 20:28, it is termed as “to purchase.”
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The Idea of Purchase
The redemption doctrine is associated with the concept of purchase. It Biblical context, the purchase associated with redemption doctrine does not apply to the normal purchase of goods or service from a market place. On the contrary, Christians are said to be bought or redeemed in reference to the death of Jesus Christ. There are five instances in the bible where such inferences are clearly made; 1 st Cor. 6:20; 7:23; 2 Pet 2:1; Rev 5:9; 14:3-4. In general Greek and Septuagint, the idea of purchase is a common concept. However, it does not seem to be used in a theological sense in the Old Testament.
Based on the Greek usage, a concept can be argued that Christians are slaves of Jesus Christ because they are bought by Him through his death. Thus, the conclusion that Paul draws in 1 st Corinthians 6:19-20, that: “Or know ye not that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which ye have from God? And ye are not your own; for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body.” Also, the thought that Christians are purchased by Jesus Christ is found in 1 st Corinthians 7:23 which states that: “Ye were bought with a price; become not bond-servants of men.” The primary teaching about redemption doctrine is that Jesus Christ purchased Christians through the act of redemption and therefore, they were not to obey other masters. They were bough using such a high cost, the blood of Jesus, with a view of fulfilling the will of God.
Another instance of redemption is found in 2 nd Peter 2:1 where false prophets are describe as those “who shall privily bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master that bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.” Human relationship with God has been enhanced through the belief that they are purchased by the death of Jesus Christ. Such a relationship has been made the theme of the song written in Revelations 5:9, “Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.” The death of Jesus is considered the price that was paid.
The Idea of Freedom from Bondage
In the New Testament, 1 st Peter 1:18 states that “Ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; but with precious blood, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, even the blood of Christ.” From this scripture, the concept of ransom by the death of Christ is set forth, something that was impossible by payment of gold and silver. Through redemption, a believer is set free from his former vain life and former obligation. The Bible verses that outline the human being freed from bondage by payment of ransom, redemption, and rescue include 1 st Peter 1:18, Titus 2:14 and Luke 24:21. Christ “gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). The payment of the ransom price is a declaration of the righteousness of God in forgiving sins in the Old Testament as well as in justifying the believer in the New Testament.
Application of Redemption Doctrine
The most appropriate way Christians would apply this doctrine in life is through meditation. First, if Jesus Christ came for Paul, who was the greatest of sinners, then Christians see that God’s grace and redemption is available to everyone. That gives them hope for themselves and for enemies. Resultantly, the hope obtained eliminates self-loathing and despair. In other words, if God loves and can redeem us when we are sinners, then we have no reason to hate ourselves or hate others. Also, redemption doctrine provides that our bodies are temples of God. It is thus essential to glorify God who redeemed us from sin, and serve no any other masters. Additionally, since Jesus referred to Himself as final and perfect sacrifice for sin (Heb 10:1-18), Christians must not try to atone for their sins but rest only on Christ’s sacrifice.
Conclusion
The doctrine of redemption as noted from both the Old and the New Testaments provide that Christ by act of substitution in His death on the cross paid the ransom price and redeemed the enslaved sinner from his sinful position before God. The death of Jesus signified an act of purchase in which the ransom price was paid to remove the sinner from his former bondage in sin. Through redemption, Jesus became the final perfect sacrifice of sin, thus Christians must not atone for their sins, but rely on Christ’s sacrifice.
