Redemption


In Him we have redemption through His blood, 
the forgiveness of our trespasses, 
according to the riches of His grace 
(Ephesians 1:7 NASB)

From the AMG Word Study Dictionary, redemption is 'deliverance on account of the ransom paid as spoken of the deliverance from the power and consequences of sin which Christ procured by laying down His life as a ransom for those who believe.'

The idea in 'redemption' is a ransom paid.  But who is paid, and what is the price?  I have heard of the 'ransom theory' of the atonement, which I understand contends that, since we are held captive by Satan (2Timothy 2:26), God is paying Satan to redeem us.  This cannot be!  We see from sacred Scripture:

  •  We are 'shut up under sin' (Romans 3:9, Galatians 3:22), that is, the law obligates us, and the debt that is owed is owed to God.  May we say that, in the same way we are rescued from God's wrath through the death of His son (Romans 5:9), we are freed from debt through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus?  Yes, God offered up Jesus as a propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:25, 1John 4:10).  God killed Christ, His wrath was satisfied, the debt paid (Isaiah 53:5-11).
  •  Satan and his followers were not only not paid, but were entirely vanquished through the atoning work of Christ (Colossians 2:13-15)!  His resurrection demonstrates His ultimate triumph over them!
  •  This is yet another example of how only God can meet His own requirements.  In salvation we are saved both from God and to God.  He killed His Son.  He paid Himself.

To quote a good friend of mine, 'what a Savior we have!'.  Amazing.

In His Grip,

Mark


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