Redemption, in NT

The culmination of the OT work of redemption is seen in the cross of Jesus Christ, by which believers are liberated from bondage to sin.

Redemption is achieved through Jesus Christ

Ephesians 1:7

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

Jesus Christ's teaching on redemption

Mark 10:45 parallel Matthew 20:28 See also Matthew 26:26–28 parallels Mark 14:22–25, Luke 22:20–22

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Apostolic teaching on redemption

Jesus Christ is the redemption of believers

1 Corinthians 1:30 See also 1 Timothy 2:6; Titus 2:14

It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption.

Redemption comes through the shedding of the blood of Jesus Christ

Galatians 3:13 See also Acts 20:28; Romans 3:25; 1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Corinthians 7:23, 1 Corinthians 11:23–25; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Hebrews 9:12; Revelation 1:5–6, Revelation 5:9

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

The results of redemption

Forgiveness of sin

Colossians 1:13–14

He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Justification and freedom from the law

Galatians 3:8–10 See also Romans 3:23–25; Galatians 4:5

The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”

Inclusion in the covenant

Galatians 3:14 See also Hebrews 9:15

He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Freedom to live a new life

Galatians 4:4–7 See also 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, 1 Corinthians 7:22–24; Colossians 1:13; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:14; Revelation 1:5–6, Revelation 5:9–10

But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.

Creation and believers await final redemption

Romans 8:19–23 See also Luke 21:28; Acts 3:21; Ephesians 1:14, Ephesians 4:30

The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time. Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.