The idea of redemption originates in the Old Testament, and is initially used when money is paid to buy back property (Leviticus 25:25-28; Ruth 4:4-6) or something which must be protected or rescued. (Numbers 3:44-51; Nehemiah 5:6-13) As the term “redemption” is repeatedly employed throughout the scriptures, it becomes a common term referencing any form or type of deliverance. God, by example, is the “Redeemer” of Israel . . . their “Deliverer.” Deuteronomy 9:26 reveals this perspective:
I prayed to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord God, do not destroy Your people, even Your inheritance, whom You have redeemed through Your greatness, whom You have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand.
In addition, consider the point-of-view revealed in II Samuel 7:23-24:
And what one nation on the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people and to make a name for Himself, and to do a great thing for You and awesome things for Your land, before Your people whom You have redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, from nations and their gods? For You have established for Yourself Your people Israel as Your own people forever, and You, O Lord, have become their God. (also see Isaiah 52:3-6)
Ultimately, the concept of “deliverance” includes liberation from any/all forms of evil such as national misfortune (Isaiah 52:9; 63:9; compare Luke 2:36-38), plagues (Psalm 78:35, 52), and calamity of any sort (Genesis 48:16; Numbers 25:4-9). However, in general, the relationship of Israel and/with God included His claim to them (Deuteronomy 15:15), as well as an obligation to them as seen in the Psalmist’s declaration (25:22):
Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles. (also see I Chronicles 17:21)
Without a doubt, Israel belonged to Him; therefore in the original, truest sense of “redemption,” He moved and worked in/with Israel as their legitimate (rightful, perhaps even somewhat legally obliged) “Redeemer.”
In the New Testament, the Greek word “apolutrosis,” translated “redemption” and/or “deliverance,” encompasses the idea of ransom.
All humanity is held under the curse:
- of the law according to Galatians 3:13, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us — for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE”;
- of sin itself according to Romans 7:23, where Paul views himself as a “prisoner” to sin;
- of death as a result of sin in Romans 6:23. In this context, and proper biblical application, the person who purchases one’s freedom or deliverance by paying a ransom is considered the/their “redeemer.”
It’s in this light that believers see Christ, the One Who purchased our freedom/deliverance by offering Himself as the entire/full payment/ransom for one’s sin. Ephesians 1:7-8 provides foundation for this perspective by declaring:
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.
In I Peter 1:18, one sees the incomparable value of Christ’s work and deliverance:
Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.
As Easter 2011 approaches, perhaps a clear focus on Jesus Christ as your individual “deliverer” or “redeemer” will enhance the spiritual meaning/purpose of this season and stimulate participation. What no one else could do, Christ did for you! May we never forget the redeeming truth of Romans 8:3-4:
For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
This “deliverance” wasn’t because any of us deserved it, but because Christ owns us, and He faithfully assumed the role as our “redeemer,” offering “redemption” to His most highly valued creation (those created in His own image/likeness and whom He loves – according to John 3:16-17), humanity! What a great privilege, what honor and blessing has been bestowed upon us . . . we do not have a human “redeemer” paying a ransom, but the Lord Himself fully satisfying the entire demand – permanently and eternally conquering the curse of law, sin, and death! Hallelujah!
Now, what shall we say to this redemption? How shall we respond to this humanly incomprehensible deliverance and selfless demonstration? Is there anything that compares to this rescue? If the answer is no, then please don’t view Easter as simply another holiday where you work-in some time off, visit relatives, play golf, and gather for a nice meal. No – we must not! In fact, as true believers, how can we settle into such a ridiculous gesture and call it Easter?
I’m not saying a family celebration is inappropriate, especially if that gathering is focused on the events of our Lord’s redemption (His suffering, atoning death, and victorious resurrection); however, the only fitting and suitable spiritual response for each true believer is participation in a gathering of God’s people where praise and worship is distinctly and uniquely presented to Jesus Christ our Lord in view of REDEMPTION!
As your pastor, the one who is required to protect, watch over, and feed Christ’s flock (I Peter 5:1-3), face judgment for all the activities and teachings in our fellowship (James 3:1, I Corinthians 3:10-15), and give an account for your souls (Hebrews 13:17), I assure you that WOF’s focus for this year’s Good Friday Communion (Lord’s Supper) and Easter (Resurrection Celebration) will remain steadfast and exclusively fixed upon Jesus Christ and the gracious redemption/deliverance He alone brings to humanity. However, what will you say – what will you do – what will you offer – in light (illumination and radiance) of such a great deliverance/redemption?
— Pastor Frank