In a biblical worldview, redemption is the restoration of all things to their original, God-intended purpose. It is accomplished through Jesus Christ, who purchased humanity from the bondage of sin and death through His Person and work.
The Heart Behind Redemption
Here are some key ideas that illustrate the heart of redemption:
Redemption as a Core Concept
Redemption is a central theme in the biblical narrative, representing God’s plan to overcome the consequences of sin and restore humanity and Creation to their intended state prior to the Fall (Romans 3:24; Colossians 1:13-14)
The Fall and Its Impact
The biblical worldview understands that humanity, through sin, fell from a state of grace and entered a state of separation from God, leading to a corrupted world (Genesis 3:6-7; Romans 5:12).
Jesus Christ as the Redeemer
Redemption is achieved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the Son of God, took upon Himself the sins of the world, paying the price for humanity’s redemption (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
Restoration and New Creation
Redemption is not merely about forgiveness but also about the restoration of all things, including humanity and Creation, to their intended purpose and relationship with God (2 Corinthians 5:17; Revelation 21:5).
The Ongoing Nature of Redemption
The concept of redemption extends beyond the initial act of Christ’s sacrifice to encompass the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in transforming believers and preparing them for the ultimate redemption of all things in the future (Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:23-24).
Biblical Worldview
A biblical worldview is a way of thinking about the world and life that is based on the teachings of the Bible. It is a framework for understanding Creation, Fall, and Redemption.
Creation, Fall, Redemption
The biblical worldview is often framed around the concepts of Creation, Fall, and Redemption. Creation is the idea that God created the world and everything in it. The Fall is the idea that humans disobeyed God and brought sin into the world. Redemption is the idea that God has provided a way for people to be saved from sin and death through the person and work of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:20-21).
Biblical Worldview in Daily Life
A biblical worldview encourages believers to live in a way that reflects God’s values and principles, seeking to make an impact in the world and to live in a way that honors God.
The Meaning of Redemption
Redemption means God buying back what was lost. If we take the biblical accounts of sin seriously, it’s clear that the entire created order was corrupted by the Fall. So, building on an understanding of Creation and Fall, we see that Redemption allows God’s original purposes for the earth’s filling and cultivation to continue despite sin. In other words, it’s not a Plan B, but the rescuing of Plan A (Titus 2:14; Galatians 3:13).
How Does the Bible Describe the Process of Redemption?
The focus is surely Jesus Christ – and in the Gospel narratives, He is seen in two lights: He is both God’s ideal human being and man’s ideal image of God. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John present Jesus as both the ‘Son of Man’ and the ‘Son of God,’ Priest and Prophet, Suffering Servant and King of Kings. Jesus is truly God, and He is also truly human – and that’s how you and I can dare to identify with Him (Matthew 20:28; John 19:30).
I’m nowhere near living such a powerful, game-changing, compassionate life as He did. But in the story of the Crucifixion, by God’s mercy, the spotlight turns on Jesus and shows Him as the second Adam, who stands between Heaven and earth, bringing the story begun in Genesis to its climax, paying the incredible cost of buying back the whole creation from the grip of evil.
The focus of redemption is Jesus – and the focus is also God’s people, and through them, me and all who believe in Him. We who believe are the firstfruits of God’s redemption, redeemed sinners called by God to participate in the work of redemption under Jesus, the sinless King. That certainly gives meaning and direction to my life and to yours, also, if you are in Christ, all because of Christ alone.
The World Through a Biblical Lens: The Christian’s Guide to Life and Culture
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
