What is Redemption?

What is redemption?¹

Redemption is the act of God which sets us free from the power of evil, sin, and death.

How did God prepare us for redemption?²

God sent the prophets to call us back to himself, to show us our need for redemption, and to announce the coming of the Messiah.

Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?³

God, out of His mere good pleasure, from all eternity, having chosen a people to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate of sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation, by a Redeemer (Ephesians 1:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Romans 5:21; Acts 13:8; Jeremiah 31:33).

Who is the Redeemer of God’s elect?⁴

The only Redeemer of God’s elect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who, being the eternal Son of God, became man, and so was and continues to be God and man, in two distinct natures and one person, forever (Galatians 3:13; 1 Timothy 2:5; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9).

How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?⁵

We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us, by His Holy Spirit (John 3:5-6; Titus 3:5-6).

How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?⁶

The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling (Ephesians 2:8; 3:17).

Why did Christ humble Himself?⁷

Christ voluntarily humbled Himself in order to “redeem me, a lost and condemned person.” (Isaiah 53:4-5; John 10:17-18)

From what has Christ redeemed you?⁸

He has redeemed me “from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil.” (John 1:29; Hebrews 2:14-15, 17)

How has Christ redeemed you from all sins?⁹

• He took my guilt and punishment upon Himself (Romans 5:19; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13).
• He freed me from the slavery of sin (John 8:34-36; 1 Peter 2:24).

How has Christ rescued you from death?¹⁰

Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, Christ has triumphed over death. Since He now gives me eternal life I need not fear death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57; 2 Timothy 1:10; 1 Peter 1:3).

How has Christ rescued you from the power of the devil?¹¹

Christ has completely conquered the devil. Therefore the devil can no longer accuse me of my sins, and I can resist his temptations (Genesis 3:15; 1 John 3:8). Note: See also Romans 8:31-34; Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Peter 5:8-9; Revelations 12:10.

With what has Christ redeemed you?¹²

Christ has redeemed me, “not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death.” (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 John 1:7)

How does this work of redemption benefit you?¹³

Christ was my substitute. He took my place under God’s judgment against sin. By paying the penalty of my guilt, Christ atoned, or made satisfaction, for my sins (vicarious atonement) (Isaiah 53:4-5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 2:17).

Has Christ redeemed only you?¹⁴

No, Christ has redeemed me and all people (universal atonement) (2 Corinthians 5:15; 2 Corinthians 5:19; 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 John 2:2; 2 Peter 2:1).

In conclusion, then, why has Christ redeemed you?¹⁵

The Scriptures teach that Christ’s purpose was

• “that I may be His own”; that is, I am now righteous and blameless in the sight of God (2 Corinthians 5:21; Revelation 5:9);
• that I may “live under Him in His kingdom”; that is, that I am now freed from the slavery of sin and thus freed to serve God (Romans 6:6; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Colossians 2:6; Titus 2:14);
• that I may “serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness”; that is, that I honor God with my whole life and rejoice in Him now on earth and forever in heaven (Luke 1:69, 74-75; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:9).

Bible narrative: The saints in heaven (Revelations 7:13)

Footnotes

1. Episcopal Catechism (1789), Question 25.
2. Episcopal Catechism (1789), Question 26.
3. Baptist Catechism (1677), Question 24.
4. Baptist Catechism (1677), Question 25.
5. Baptist Catechism (1677), Question 33.
6. Baptist Catechism (1677), Question 34.
7. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), Question 133.
8. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), Question 134.
9. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), Question 135.
10. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), Question 136.
11. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), Question 137.
12. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), Question 138.
13. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), Question 139.
14. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), Question 140.
15. Luther’s Small Catechism (1529), Question 150.