Doctrine of Redemption

Doctrine of Redemption

Introduction:

Redemption is the act of saving or delivering someone or something because of previous mistakes or debts. Usually, there will be a ransom in redemption. Lord redeems his people irrespective of their goodness and righteousness, to establish his purpose and will on earth. The redemption of the Lord is not a reward for one’s goodness or an act of reconciliation, but it is purely the grace of God help mankind to come out of faultiness and limitations.

1.0.Etymology and Synonyms:

The English word "redemption" comes from the Latin redemptio (derived from the verb redemere, to buy back) and signifies literally the process of buying back, liberating by payment of a price or ransom.

In Hebrew, similar words for Redemption are pidyom (פדין) (Exo 21:30), geullah (גאלה) (Lev 25: 24), peduth (פדות) (Psalm 111: 9), etc.

Synonyms of Redemption in OT- Salvation (Yeshuvah- לישׁועתך) (Gen 49: 18), deliverance (hatstsalah/ Pallate- הצלה/ פלט) (Esther 4: 14), Ransom (kopher/ padah- כפר)/ פדה) (Num 35: 31/ Psalm 49: 7), Redeem (gaal/ padah- גאל / פדה) (Lev 27: 13; Jer 15:21)

In Greek, a similar word for Redemption is apollutrosis (απολύτρωσης) (Rom 3: 24, etc.  

Synonyms of Redemption in NT- Salvation (soteria- σωτηρία) (John 4: 22), deliver/ rescue / release (exaireo- εξαιρέω) (Galatians 1: 4)), Ransom (lutra- λύτρα) (Matt 20: 28),

2.0. Lord’s Redemption of People:

God redeems the people of Israel from Egypt to the promised land with outstretched arms and great acts of judgment.

The Lord said Moses to say therefore to the people of Israel that He is the Lord and He would bring them out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and He would deliver them from slavery to them, and He would redeem them with an outstretched arm and great acts of judgment. He would take them to be His people, and He would be their God, and they shall know that He is the Lord their God, who had brought them out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. He would bring them into the land that he swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. He would give it to them for a possession. He is the Lord (Exo 6: 6-8).

David prays to the Lord that who is like His people Israel, the one nation on earth whom God went to redeem to be His people, to make Himself a name and do for them great and awesome things by driving out before His people, whom He redeemed for Himself from Egypt, a nation and its gods. And He established for Himself His people Israel to be His people forever. And He, O Lord, became their God (2 Sam 7: 23, 24; 1 Chro 17: 21, 22).

The Lord delivers from troubles and redeems from death and war. The Lord is the redeemer, because of his steadfast and everlasting love.

Eliphaz said Job that the Lord will deliver him from six troubles; in seven no evil shall touch him. In famine He will redeem him from death, and in war from the power of the sword (Job 5: 19, 20). 

Job stated that he knows that his redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth. (Job 19: 25).

David wrote that the words of his mouth and the meditation of his heart shall be acceptable in His sight, O Lord, his rock and his redeemer (Psalms 19: 14).

David wrote that O God shall redeem Israel, out of all his troubles (Psalm 25: 22).

David wrote but as for him, he shall walk in his integrity, and the Lord shall redeem him, and be gracious to him (Psalms 26: 11).

A Maskil of the sons of Korah to the choirmaster stated that the Lord shall rise up, and come to their help. He shall redeem them for the sake of His steadfast love (Psalm 44: 26).

A Psalm of David to the choirmaster according to Lilies stated that God shall draw near to his soul, redeem him, and ransom him because of his enemies (Psalm 69: 18).

A Maskil of Asaph stated that the people of Israel remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer (Psalm 78: 35).

The Psalmist stated that the Lord sent redemption to His people, and He had commanded His covenant forever. Holy and awesome is His name (Psalm 111: 9).

The Psalmist wrote that God shall redeem him from man’s oppression, that he may keep His precepts (Psalm 119: 134).

The Psalmist pleaded his cause and asks to redeem him, and give him life according to Lord’s promise (Psalm 119: 154). 

O Israel shall hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with Him is plentiful redemption. And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities (Psalm 130: 7, 8).

The author of Proverbs stated, not to move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong, and He will plead their cause against him (Prov 23: 10, 11).

Jacob, who is like a worm, shall fear not, men of Israel. He is the one who helps them, declares the Lord and their redeemer is the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 41: 14).`

But then thus says the Lord, He who created him, O Jacob, He who formed him, O Israel shall fear not, for He had redeemed him, and He had called Him by name, he is His’ (Isaiah 43: 1).

Thus says the Lord, their Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel that for their sake He send to Babylon and bring them all down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships in which they rejoice (Isaiah 43: 14).

Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts that He is the first and He is the last, and besides Him there is no god (Isaiah 44: 6).

Thus says the Lord, his redeemer, who formed him from the womb that He is the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by Himself, who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish, who confirms the word of his servant and fulfils the counsel of his messengers, who says of Jerusalem that she shall be inhabited, and the cities of Judah that they shall be built, and He will raise up their ruin, and who says to the deep to be dry, and He will dry up their rivers, and who says to Cyrus that He is his shepherd, and he shall fulfil all His purpose, and saying of Jerusalem that she shall be built, and of the temple, its foundation shall be laid (Isaiah 44: 24-28).

Their redeemer, the Lord of hosts is His name- is the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 47: 4).

Thus says the Lord, His redeemer, the Holy One of Israel that He is the Lord his God, who teaches him to profit, who leads him in the way he should go (Isaiah 48: 17).

Thus says the Lord, the redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nation, the servant of rulers that Kings shall see and arise, and princes, and they shall prostrate themselves that because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen him (Isaiah 49: 7).

Lord will make Israel’s oppressors eat their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood as with wine. Then all flesh shall know that He is the Lord his Saviour, and his Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob (Isaiah 49: 26).

The Lord asked why, when He came, was there no man, and why, when He called, was there no one to answer. He further asked whether His hand is shortened, that it cannot redeem. Or has he no power to deliver. Behold, by His rebuke He dry up the sea, He make the rivers a desert, and their fish stink for lack of water and die of thirst (Isaiah 50: 2).

The barren one shall fear not, for they will not be ashamed, and be not confounded, for they will not be disgraced, and for they will forget the shame of their youth, and the reproach of their widowhood they will remember no more. For their maker is their husband, the Lord of hosts is His name, and the Holy One of Israel is their Redeemer, the God of the whole earth He is called. For the Lord has called them like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit, like a wife of youth when she is cast off, says their God. For a brief moment He deserted them, but with great compassion He will gather them. In overflowing anger for a moment, He hid His face from them, but with everlasting love He will have compassion on them, says the Lord their Redeemer (Isaiah 54: 4-8).

And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression, declares the Lord (Isaiah 59: 20).

The Lord says that Israel shall suck the milk of nations, and they shall nurse at the breast of kings, and they shall know that He, the Lord, is their Saviour and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob (Isaiah 60: 1-22). 

In all Israel’s affliction Lord was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them, and in His love and in His pity, He redeemed them, and He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old (Isaiah 63: 9).

Lord will deliver Israel out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem him from the grasp of the ruthless (Jer 15: 21).

Judah’s Redeemer is strong, and the Lord of hosts is His name. He will surely plead their cause, that He may give rest to the earth, but unrest to the inhabitants of Babylon (Jer 50: 34).

Woe to Ephraim, for they have strayed from Him. Destruction to them, for they have rebelled against the Lord. He would redeem them, but they speak lies against Him (Hosea 7: 13).

The Lord shall ransom Ephraim from the power of Sheol, and He shall redeem them from death. He asked, O death, where are its plagues, and O Sheol, where is its sting. Compassion is hidden from His eyes (Hosea 13: 14).

O daughter of Zion shall writhe and groan, like a woman in labor, for then they shall go out from the city and dwell in the open country, and they shall go to Babylon. There they shall be rescued, and there the Lord will redeem them from the hand of their enemies (Micah 4: 10).

Two men who were travelling to Emmaus discussed that they had hoped that Jesus was the one to redeem Israel. He also said that besides all that, it is then the third day since those things happened (Luke 24: 21).

Paul wrote that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way they also, when they were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman born under the law, to redeem to those who were under the law, so that they might receive adoption as sons. And because they are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into their hearts, crying Abba, Father. So, they are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God (Gal 4: 1-7).

3.0. Ransom:

Ransom was given by God or to God as well as the fellow people for different purposes. Ransom was considered to be something like money, wealth, people, etc. Sometimes ransoms are not acceptable.

The Lord said Moses that when they take the census of the people of Israel, then each shall give a ransom for his life to the Lord when they number them, that there be no plague among them when they number them (Exo 30: 11, 12).

Lord spoke to Moses that if anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the evidence of witnesses. But no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness. Moreover, they shall accept no ransom for the life of a murderer, who is guilty of death, but he shall be put to death (Num 35: 30, 31).

The Psalmist wrote that truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit (Psalm 49: 7-9).

The Psalmist wrote that God would ransom his soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive him (Psalm 49: 15).

David prayed to God to draw near to his soul, redeem him, and ransom him because of his enemies (Psalm 69: 18).

The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth, but a poor man hears no threat (Prov 13: 8).

The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, and the traitor for the upright (Prov 21: 18).

Isaiah prophesied that for He is the Lord their God, the Holy One of Israel, Israel’s Savior. He gave Egypt as their ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for them (Isa 43: 3).

Hosea prophesied that the Lord shall ransom them from the power of Sheol and that He shall redeem them from Death. O Death, where are their plagues. O Sheol, where is their sting. Compassion is hidden from His eyes (Hosea 13: 14).

4.0. Redemption of People and Different things:

Different regulations were given and followed for the redemption of the different people in different circumstance and even the different things.

4.1. Redeeming the Firstborn:

There were regulations given by God for redeeming the firstborn of a man or beast.

The Lord said Moses to consecrate to Him all the firstborns whatever is the first to open the womb among the people of Israel, both of man and of beast, is His. Then Moses said to the people to remember that day in which they came out from Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by strong hand the Lord brought them out from that place, and no leavened bread should be eaten. That day in the month of Abib, they were going out. And when the Lord brings them into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which he swore to their fathers to give him, a land flowing with milk and honey, they shall keep that service that month. Seven days they shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day, there shall be a feast to the Lord. Unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven days and no leavened bread shall be seen with them, and no leaven shall be seen with them in all their territory. They shall tell their son on that day that it is because of what the Lord did for him when he came out of Egypt. And it shall be to them as a sign on their hand and as a memorial between their eyes that the law of the Lord may be in their mouth. For with a strong hand the Lord had brought them out of Egypt. They shall therefore keep that statute at its appointed time from year to year. When the Lord brings them into the land of the Canaanites, as he swore to them and their fathers, and they shall give it to them. They shall get apart to the Lord all that first opens the womb. All the firstborns of their animals that are males shall be the Lord’s. Every firstborn of a donkey they shall redeem with a lamb, or if they would not redeem it they shall break its neck. Every firstborn of man among their sons they shall redeem. And when in time to come their son asks them what does that mean and they shall say to him that by a strong hand the Lord brought them out of Egypt, from the house of slavery. For when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let them go, the Lord killed all the firstborns in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of animals. Therefore he sacrifice to the Lord all the males that first open the womb, but all the firstborns of his sons he redeem. It should be as a mark on their hand of frontlets between their eyes, for by a strong hand the Lord brought them out of Egypt (Exo 13: 1-16).

All that open the womb are His, all the male livestock, the firstborn of cow and sheep. The firstborn of a donkey they shall redeem with a lamb, or if they would not redeem it, they shall break its neck. All the firstborns of their sons they shall redeem. And none should appear before Him empty-handed (Exo 34: 19, 20).

Lord said Aaron and his sons that everything that opens the womb of all flesh, whether man or beast, which they offer to the Lord, shall be his. Nevertheless, the firstborn of man he shall redeem, and the firstborn of unclean animals he shall redeem. And their redemption price (at a month old he shall redeem them) he shall fix at five shekels in silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs. But the firstborn of a cow, or the firstborn of a sheep, or the firstborn of a goat, he shall not redeem, they are holy. They shall sprinkle their blood on the altar and shall burn their fat as a food offering, with a pleasing aroma to the Lord (Num 18: 15-17).

4.2. Redemption for Life:

There were regulations given by God for redemption for life because of accident.

But if the ox has been accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has been warned but has not kept it in, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and its owner also shall be put to death. If a ransom is imposed on him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is imposed on him. If it gores a man's son or daughter, he shall be dealt with according to this same rule. If the ox gores a slave, male or female, the owner shall give to their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned (Exo 21: 29-32).

4.3. Redemption of Land:

There were regulations given by God for redeeming the land.

The Lord spoke to Moses, “The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me. And in all the country you possess, you shall allow a redemption of the land. “If your brother becomes poor and sells part of his property, then his nearest redeemer shall come and redeem what his brother has sold. If a man has no one to redeem it and then himself becomes prosperous and finds sufficient means to redeem it, let him calculate the years since he sold it and pay back the balance to the man to whom he sold it, and then return to his property. But if he does not have sufficient means to recover it, then what he sold shall remain in the hand of the buyer until the year of jubilee. In the jubilee it shall be released, and he shall return to his property. “If a man sells a dwelling house in a walled city, he may redeem it within a year of its sale. For a full year he shall have the right of redemption. If it is not redeemed within a full year, then the house in the walled city shall belong in perpetuity to the buyer, throughout his generations; it shall not be released in the jubilee. But the houses of the villages that have no wall around them shall be classified with the fields of the land. They may be redeemed, and they shall be released in the jubilee. As for the cities of the Levites, the Levites may redeem at any time the houses in the cities they possess. And if one of the Levites exercises his right of redemption, then the house that was sold in a city they possess shall be released in the jubilee. For the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the people of Israel. But the fields of pastureland belonging to their cities may not be sold, for that is their possession forever (Lev 25: 23-34).

Jeremiah said that the word of the Lord came to him that behold, Hanamel the son of Shallum uncle will come to him and say to buy his field that is at Anathoth, for the right of redemption by purchase is his. Then Hanamel his cousin came to him in the court of the guard, in accordance with the word of the Lord, and said him to buy his field that is at Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, for the right of possession and redemption is his, and buy it for himself. Then he knew that that was the word of the Lord. And he bought the field at Anathoth from Hanamel his cousin, and weighed out the money to him, seventeen shekels of silver (Jer 32: 6-9).

4.4. Redemption based on Capability by Valuation:

There were regulations given by God for redeeming certain things based on the capability of individuals by evaluation.

The Lord spoke to Moses saying to speak to the people of Israel and say to them that if anyone makes a special vow to the Lord involving the valuation of person, then the valuation of a male from twenty years old up to sixty years old should be fifty shekels of silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. If the person is a female, the valuation should be thirty shekels. If the person is from five years old up to twenty years old, the valuation should be for a male twenty shekels, and for a female ten shekels. If the person is from a month old up to five years old, the valuation should be for a male five shekels of silver, and for a female the valuation should be three shekels of silver. And if the person is sixty years old or over, then the valuation for a male should be fifteen shekels, and for a female ten shekels. And if someone is too poor to pay the valuation, then he shall be made to stand before the priest, and the priest should value him, the priest should value him according to what the vower can afford. If the vow is an animal that may be offered as an offering to the Lord, all of it that he gives to the Lord is holy. He shall not exchange it or make a substitute for it, good for bad, or bad for good, and if he does in fact substitute one animal for another, then both it and the substitute should be holy. And if it is any unclean animal that may not be offered as an offering to the Lord, then he shall stand the animal before the priest, and the priest should value it as either good or bad, as the priest values it, so it should be. But if he wishes to redeem it, he shall add a fifth to a valuation. When a man dedicates his house as a holy gift to the Lord, the priest should value it as either good or bad, as the priest values it, so it should stand. And if the donor wishes to redeem his house, he shall add a fifth to the valuation price, and it should be his. If a man dedicates to the Lord part of the land that is his possession, then the valuation should be in proportion to its seed. A homer of barley seed should be valued at fifty shekels of silver. If he dedicates his field from the year of jubilee, the valuation should stand, but he dedicates his field after the jubilee, then the priest should calculate the price according to the years that remain until the year of jubilee, and a deduction should be made from the valuation. And if he who dedicates the field wishes to redeem it, then he shall add a fifty to its valuation price, and it should remain his. But if he does not wish to redeem the field, or if he had sold the field to another man, it should not be redeemed anymore. But the field, when it is released in the jubilee, should be a holy gift to the Lord, like the field that has been devoted. The priest should be in possession of it. If he declares to the Lord a field that he had bought, which is not a part of his possession, then the priest should calculate the amount of the valuation for it up to the year of jubilee, and the man should give the valuation on that day as a holy gift to the Lord. In the year of jubilee the field should return to him from whom it was bought, to whom the land belongs as a possession. Every valuation should be according to the shekel of the sanctuary, twenty gerahs should make a shekel. But a firstborn of animals, which as a firstborn belongs to the Lord, no man may dedicate, whether ox or sleep, it is the Lord’s. And if it is an unclean animal, then he shall buy it back at the valuation, and add a fifth to it, or if it is not redeemed, it should be sold at the valuation. But no devoted thing that a man devotes to the Lord, of anything that he has, whether man or beast, or his inherited field, should be sold or redeemed, every devoted thing is most holy of the Lord. No one devoted, who is to be devoted for destruction from mankind, should be ransomed, he shall surely be put to death. Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s, it is holy of the Lord. If a man wishes to redeem some of the tithe, he shall add a fifth of it. And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman’s staff, should be holy to the Lord. One should not differentiate between good or bad, neither should he make a substitute for it, and if he does substitute for it, and if he does substitute for it, then both it and the substitute should be holy, it should not be redeemed. Those are the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses for the people of Israel on Mount Sinai (Lev 27: 1-34).

4.5. Redemption of Widow:

There was a regulation and custom for kinsmen to redeem a woman who lost her husband.

Then Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law called her as daughter and asked whether she should not seek rest for her, that it may be well with her. She asked whether Boaz is not their relative, with those young woman she was and said her to see that he is winnowing barley that night at the threshing floor. She shall wash therefore and anoint herself and put on her cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make herself known to the man until he had finished eating and drinking. But when he lies down, she shall observe the place where he lies. Then she shall go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell her what to do. And she replied that all that Naomi said, she would do. So she went down to the threshing floor and did just as her mother-in-law had commanded her. And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and laid down. At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman laid at his feet. He asked who she was. And she answered that she was Ruth, his servant. She said him to spread his wings over his servant, for he is a redeemer. And he said that may she be blessed by the Lord, his daughter. She had made that last kindness greater than the first in that she had not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. And then he said calling her as his daughter, not to fear. He will do for her all that she asks, for all his fellow townsmen know that she is a worthy woman. And then it is true that he is a redeemer nearer than him. He said her to remain that night, and in the morning, if he will redeem her, it is good and he shall do it. But if he is not willing to redeem her, then as the Lord lives, he will redeem her. She shall lie down until the morning. So she laid at his feet until the morning, but arose before one could recognize another, and he said that it shall not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor. And he said to bring the garments she was wearing and hold it out. So she held it, and he measured out six measures of barley and put it on her. Then she went into the city. And when came to her mother-in-law, she asked how did she fare, her daughter. Then she said her all that the man had done for her, saying those six measures of barley he gave to her, for he said her she must not go back empty-handed to her mother-in-law. She replied to wait, her daughter, until she learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter that day (Ruth 3: 1-18).

Boaz meets the redeemer and Boaz commits to Redeem Ruth:

Then Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by. So Boaz said to turn and sit down there, calling him friend. And he turned aside and sat down. And he took ten men, of the elders of the city and said to sit down there. So they sat down. Then he said the redeemer that Naomi who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to their relative Elimelech. So, he thought he would tell him of it and say to buy it in the presence of those sitting there and in the presence of the elders of his people. If he redeem it, he shall redeem it. But if he would not, he shall tell him, that he may know, for there is no one besides him to redeem it, and he come after him. And the redeemer said that he will redeem it. Then Boaz said that the day he buy the field from the hand of Naomi, he also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance. Then the redeemer said that he cannot redeem it for himself, lest he impair his own inheritance. So, He said him to take his right of redemption himself, for he cannot redeem it. Then that was the custom in former times in Israel concerning redeeming and exchanging, to confirm a transaction, the one drew off his sandal and gave it to the other, and that was the manner of attesting in Israel. So when the redeemer said Boaz to buy it for himself, and he drew off his sandal. Then Boaz said the elders and all the people that they were witnesses that day that he had bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and to Mahlon. Also Ruth the Moabite, the widow of Mahlon, he had bought to be his wife, to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his native place. They weres witnesses that day. Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said that they are witnesses. They said that may the Lord make the woman, who is coming into his house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. He may act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem, and may their house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, because of the offspring that the Lord will give them by that young woman (Ruth 4: 1-12). 

4.6. Redemption of Poor Man:

There were regulations given by God for redeeming the poor man.

Lord spoke to Moses, “If a stranger or sojourner with you becomes rich, and your brother beside him becomes poor and sells himself to the stranger or sojourner with you or to a member of the stranger's clan, then after he is sold he may be redeemed. One of his brothers may redeem him, or his uncle or his cousin may redeem him, or a close relative from his clan may redeem him. Or if he grows rich he may redeem himself. He shall calculate with his buyer from the year when he sold himself to him until the year of jubilee, and the price of his sale shall vary with the number of years. The time he was with his owner shall be rated as the time of a hired worker. If there are still many years left, he shall pay proportionately for his redemption some of his sale price.  If there remain but a few years until the year of jubilee, he shall calculate and pay for his redemption in proportion to his years of service. He shall treat him as a worker hired year by year. He shall not rule ruthlessly over him in your sight. And if he is not redeemed by these means, then he and his children with him shall be released in the year of jubilee. For it is to me that the people of Israel are servants. They are my servants whom I brought out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God” (Lev 25: 47-55).

4.7. Redemption Money to be paid to Priests:

There was a regulation that the redemption money was to be given to priests, Aaron and his sons during the period of Moses.

And the Lord said Moses to list all the firstborn males of the people of Israel, from a month old and upward, taking the number of their names. And they shall take the Levites for him, He is the Lord, instead of all the firstborns among the people of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstborns among the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstborns among the cattle of the people of Israel. So, Moses listed all the firstborns among the people of Israel, as the Lord commanded him. And all the firstborn males, according to the number of names, from a month old and upward as listed were 22, 273. And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying to take the Levites instead of all the firstborns among the people of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle. The Levites shall be His, He is the Lord. And as the redemption price for the 273 of the firstborn of the people of Israel, over and above the number of the male Levites, they shall take five shekels per head, they shall take them according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel of twenty gerahs) and give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for those who are over. So, Moses took the redemption money from those who were over and above those redeemed by the Levites. From the firstborn of the people of Israel he took the money, 1,365 shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary. And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons, according to the word of the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses (Num 3: 40-51).

5.0. Redemption is Awaited:

Lord’s salvation and redemption is awaited by many prophets and people.

Isaiah prophesied that behold, the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth, and say to the daughter of Zion that behold their salvation comes, and behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him. And they shall be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord, and they shall be called Sought out, A City not forsaken (Isaiah 62: 11,12).

And there was a prophetess Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2: 36-38).

5.1. Redemption and Judgement through Christ:

Jesus Christ died on the cross as a ransom for all the people to redeem them from all the sins and purify them to do good works.

Paul wrote to Titus that the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all people, training them to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for their blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of their great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for them to redeem them from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous to good works. He shall declare those things, exhort and rebuke with all authority. No one shall disregard him (Titus 2: 11-15).

The author wrote that but when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent, not made with hands that is not of that creation. He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify their conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Therefore He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death had occurred that redeemed them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant (Heb 9: 11-15).

5.2. Redemption of Body

The redemption of the body is awaited by the believers after their adoption as sons.

Paul wrote to Romans that they know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until then. And not only so, but themselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even they themselves groan within themselves, waiting for their adoption as sons eagerly, the redemption of their body (Rom 8: 22, 23).

6.0. Christ became Redemption and No One shall Boast:

No one shall boast about his own righteousness, because redemption is in Christ Jesus to show God’s righteousness.

Jesus said that even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matt 20: 28, Mark 10: 45)

But then the righteousness of God had been manifested apart from the law although the law and the Prophets bear witness to it, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith. That was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of their boasting is that it is excluded. Paul asks by what kind of law, is it by a law of works and answers No, but by the law of faith (Rom 3: 21-27).

Paul wrote to Corinthians that God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him they are of Christ Jesus, who became to them wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written they ought to let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord (1 Cor 1: 28-31).

Paul wrote to Colossians that God had delivered them from the domain of darkness and transferred them to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom they have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Col 1: 3-14).

Paul wrote to Ephesians that in Christ they have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of their trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon them in all wisdom and insight making known to them the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth (Eph 1: 7-10).

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time (1 Tim 2: 5, 6).

6.1. Holy Spirit Seals for Redemption

The believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit of God for the day of redemption.

Paul wrote to Ephesians not to grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom they were sealed for the day of redemption (Eph 4: 30).

7.0. Redemption after Judgment

We would be able to know that redemption draws near when we see the sign of the coming of the Son of Man.

Jesus continued saying to His disciples that immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun would be darkened and the moon would not give its light and the stars would fall from heaven and the powers of the heavens would be shaken, and the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heaven will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call and they will gather His elect from the four winds from the uttermost part of the earth to the part of heaven. Then when those things begin to take place, straighten up and raise their heads, because their redemption is drawing near (Matt 24: 29-31; Mark 13: 24-27; Luke 21: 20-29). 

8.0. Moses- Sent as Ruler and Redeemer

Moses was called to be ruler and redeemer for the people of Israel when they were in Egypt.

Stephen prophesied that Moses whom Egyptians rejected asking who made him a ruler and a judge, that man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush (Act 7: 35).

8.1. Vexation of being not Redeemed

Job was very distressed because of his struggles in life and when his friend came questioning him, he asked whether he asked him to rescue him from the enemy and redeem him from the cruel people.

Then Job answered and asked Eliphaz whether he asked to deliver him from the adversary’s hand. Or redeem him from the hand of the ruthless (Job 6: 23).

 

9.0. Salvation:

Salvation from all debts and evils is the greatest gift that a person could ever receive for a lovely, joyful and peaceful life. Salvation means being saved from something that is not favourable. Being saved is not just a point but a process that should be gone through. There are always two sides to a coin for its completion and likewise, Salvation has two sides that are a man who accepts God and the God who outpours His grace and love. Both are necessary and it’s incomprehensible to define the work of Salvation without understanding the attributes of man and attributes of God.

“Lord’s salvation is near to those who fear him.” (Psalm 85:9)

 

9.1. Etymology and Synonyms:

The word salvation in Greek is “soteria (σωτηρία) (John 4:22)” and derived from ‘sozo (σῴζω) (Matt 1:21)’ which means to save, rescue, deliver; to heal and ‘soter (σωτήρ) (Luke 1:47)’ which means saviour or deliverer. Soteria simply means saviour saves or deliverance.

Soteria is the act of the saviour (God) that made provision for deliverance, restoration, preservation and salvation for mankind.

“Salvation” could be derived from the following words in Hebrew and their equivalent English words:

גְּאֻלָּה [geula] (Leviticus 25:29) - salvation, redemption, freedom, release

יְשׁוּעָה [yeshu`a] (Psalms 20:6) - salvation, help, rescue

הַצָּלָה [hatsala] (Esther 4:14) - saving, rescuing, salvation     

 

10.0. God- The Author of Salvation:

Salvation is God’s eternal plan for mankind by His abundant grace and love, through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ by paying the ransom once and for all and offering the Spirit of God to be in us to guide us and guard us.

10.1. God is the source and provider of our Salvation- Salvation is a free gift of God by His Eternal grace to save everyone from their guilt or sins, by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is a sinless human being with all deity. The solution of everything including Salvation could be possible only from the source of everything, God.

The source of Salvation is God (Ex 15:2, Psalm 118:14, 21, Luke 3:6, Phil 1: 28, Heb 5:9, Rev 7:10).  

Also, the biblical personalities or authors affirmed that God is the one who gives salvation (Act 7: 25, Psalm 50:23, Psalm 85:7, 91:16, Psalm 119:41, Psalm 149:4, Isaiah 26:1)

There isn’t a better way to escape from transgression and disobedience than the great salvation, which was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to people by those who heard (Heb 2: 2-4).

10.2. Jesus is the means of our salvation- Jesus came into the world by the eternal plan and purpose of God, for the salvation of mankind, once and for all.

Peter preached to the rulers of people and elders that Jesus was the stone that was rejected by them, the builders, which had become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men which they must be saved. Act 4: 11, 12

10.3. Holy Spirit is the Gift of our Salvation- When a person genuinely starts believing in the Lord and Saviour, the Spirit of God is been received and He starts working in the person by guiding in all the things, helping to discern between right and wrong. When the person is facing temptations or falling into temptations, the Spirit of God convicts and helps to reconcile with God as the person heeds Him.

When a person hears the Word of Truth, the gospel of their Salvation, and believes in Jesus, they are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit (Eph 1: 13).

 

10.4. Conditions for Salvation:

Salvation is possible only from a superior being who could save, but at the same time, the person in need also ought to realize the need for Salvation. The bridging factor for a person to be saved is to have faith in the superior being who is trustworthy with righteousness and love.

There is salvation in no one else than Christ Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven given among men which they must be saved (Act 4: 12). Maintaining Justice and doing what is right is necessary for Salvation (Isaiah 56:1). Salvation of Soul could be obtained as the outcome of Faith (1 Peter 1:9; 1 Peter 1:5).

11.0. God’s Offering of Salvation:

When prayed Earnestly, God gives His sure salvation (Psalm 69:13).  God’s Salvation to Righteous will not be delayed (Isaiah 46:13). Salvation could be received because of repentance (Luke 19:9). Salvation is nearer to those who believe (Romans 13: 11). Affliction of believers is for their comfort and salvation (2 Cor 1: 6). Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret (2 Cor 7: 10). Salvation is sure for the believers who are sincere in their work and love in God (Heb 6: 7-10). The Word of God and the Godly teachings make a person wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Tim 3: 15).

11.1. Longing for Salvation:

The Salvation through the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross is greatly awaited by many prophets and prominent people who lived before Him, as it is the greatest hope for mankind.

A psalmist says that his Soul faints, eyes fail with longing for Salvation (Psalm 119:81, 123, 174). The psalmist says he waits for his salvation by following his commands (Psalm 119:116). It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord (Lam 3:26).

Concerning salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be theirs, searched and inquired carefully (1 Peter 1:10).

11.2. Joy in Salvation:

There is no other greater joy for a person to be free from the guilt and be away from the compulsions or mistakes, than the Salvation from true God through Jesus.

There is rejoicing in the Salvation of the Lord (Psalm 9:14, Isaiah 25:9). David rejoices in the salvation when God protects him from the snares of his enemies and repays them for their evil (Psalm 35:9). David pleaded with God to give back the joy of Salvation after he realized the mistake of committing adultery with Bathsheba (Psalm 51:12). Isaiah prophesizes that with Joy water will be drawn from the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). Habakkuk wrote that he would take joy in the God of His salvation (Hab 3: 18). Simeon is very happy to see his death, for his eyes had seen the Salvation of God (Luke 2:30).

 

11.3. Praise to God for Salvation:

Salvation could be possible only by the almighty and sovereign God who is all-loving and righteous.

Those who love the Salvation of the Lord will exalt Him (Psalm 40:16, 70:4). Salvation of God could be availed at all time and no human being could know its measure, and it would make a person to tell the righteous acts of Lord (Psalm 71:15).

Those who love the Salvation of the Lord will exalt Him (Psalm 40:16, 70:4).

The psalmist says that he will tell of God’s Salvation all the time though he doesn’t know its measure (Psalm 71:15).

12.0. Messenger of Salvation:

God had revealed Himself in many ways such as nature, emotions, intellect, conscience and dependence on one another. One of the important ways people pass information to one another throughout the generations is through communication. Salvation is also proclaimed by those who have known it and experienced it. The messenger of Salvation is valuable as he brings the news for the transformation of self, which no other knowledge could bring.

Beautiful are the steps of those who bring good news (Isaiah 52:7). Men who proclaim the way of Salvation were recognized as servants of the Most High (Act 16: 17).

Paul and Barnabas said the jealous Jews that the Lord had commanded them saying that He had made them a light for the Gentiles, that they may bring Salvation to the ends of the earth (Act 13: 47). Paul and his companion cried out that those men were servants of the Most High God, who proclaimed to them the way of Salvation (Act 16: 17).

The author of Hebrews asks rhetorically whether not all ministering spirits who are angels are sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14).

12.1. Enduring for Others’ Salvation, by being not ashamed:

We should not be ashamed of proclaiming the gospel of Christ through our words and deeds, irrespective of other’s response.

Paul wrote that therefore he endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory (2Tim 2:10)

Paul wrote to Romans that for he is not ashamed of the gospel for it is the Power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jews first and also to the Greeks (Act 1: 16).

13.0. Working out the Salvation:

Salvation is freely offered by God for everyone who desires to get it and work for it. It’s not just a point but a process because a person can’t say that he had believed in God and lived a God-pleasing life once but didn’t follow the commissions and commandments of God at present. If a person says so, the person has not known God in the way he ought to have known Him. It is important to practice the faith by keeping the commandments and growing in the likeness of the Lord for being in the Salvation of God.

Obedience to God even in the absence of someone’s guidance helps to work out the own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in a genuine believer according to His will, to work for his good pleasure (Phil 2: 12, 13).

If indeed a believer had tasted that the Lord is good, he ought to long for Word of God as child longing for the milk, for the Word of God is a pure spiritual milk, that by it they may grow up into salvation (1 Peter 2: 2, 3).

13.1. Hindrance for Salvation:

Those who do not want to follow the commandments of God have not got the Salvation for they do not need God and His grace in their life. They try to gratify themselves with their thoughts, feelings and actions without the bigger purpose.

Salvation is far from the wicked for they do not seek out the decrees of God (Psalm 119:155).

14.0. Significance of Salvation:

The Salvation protects the believers in God from all the perils that would occur to us knowingly or unknowingly and helps us to feel secure.

God’s Salvation sets us on high (Psalm 69:29). Jesus provides Salvation from the enemies and from those who hate (Luke 1:71). Jesus gives the knowledge of Salvation by the forgiveness of sins (Luke 1:77).

Salvation through Jesus Christ is very important in guiding our thoughts and feelings, and protects as a helmet protects our head. It removes God’s wrath (1Thes 5: 8, 9).

God’s Salvation protects us. Psalm 69:29

Peters wrote that believers by God’s power are guarded through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:5).

Salvation of God helps to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and live self-controlled, upright, and godly life in the present age. Also, it helps to wait for the blessed hope and the appearance of the glory of the great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, being purified for good works (Tit 2: 11-14).

15.0. Misconceptions of True Redemption/ Salvation:

There are many misconceptions about Redemption/ Salvation that make a person deviate from the truth and way of life. Some individuals or groups of people make claims according to their own standards by being either legalistic or liberal and fail to look at the balanced absolute standards of God.

1.      Perfection is needed for Redemption/ Salvation.

2.      Redemption/ Salvation is only possible through a particular church or denomination.

3.      Sincerity and being Responsible is sufficient. Man’s goodness brings him Redemption/ Salvation. 

4.      Baptism is sufficient for being saved. If no baptism, then there is no Redemption/ Salvation.

5.      God’s Grace is alone necessary for Redemption/ Salvation. We can’t or needn’t do anything to be saved. s

6.      Being a Christian and being associated with a group alone brings Redemption/ Salvation.

7.      Jesus is one of the many ways for Redemption/ Salvation. Or Jesus is not needed for Redemption/ Salvation.

8.      A person cannot or will not sin after being saved. Redemption/ Salvation is a one-time event.

9.      A person can do anything that’s desirable or shall do nothing, after being saved.

10.  Anointing by a Christian leader and change of religion to Christianity with a Christian name is necessary for Redemption/ Salvation.

Conclusion:

Redemption is rescuing/delivering someone or something by God or fellow human beings from difficulties and helping them to receive goodness, and usually a ransom will be involved in it. Redemption is a physical process (involves physicality and actions) to the most extent and Salvation is a mental process (involves intellect and emotions) to the most extent.

Salvation is by the grace of God through faith in Lord Jesus to receive the seal of the Holy Spirit. Salvation is not just a onetime event, it is also a process. There will be a concrete point of realization of the need of saviour and personal acceptance of Christ for some, and also there will be a gradual realization of the need of saviour and personal acceptance of Christ for some. Whomsoever, it is important to grow in our salvation by knowing the Lord God personally for our lives every day, reflecting Christ through our lives in every situation, and being guided by the Holy Spirit in our lives every moment. Then our lives will be filled with justice, good works and truth.