The Bible Is About Redemption

There are many stories in the Bible about redemption. What is redemption? Why do we seek God’s redemption as Christians? It all started in the Old Testament when sin entered the world. Adam and Eve walked in the glory of God for just a moment while in the Garden of Eden. After they ate from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil death entered the world. The good news is the Bible is about redemption for all our sins. It is an epic story of the unfolding plan of God for the reconciliation between God and mankind.

but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”, Genesis 2:17 ESV

Sin Entered The World

Once sin entered the world so did death. Eternal life was no longer guaranteed. There was no way to get back into God’s grace even with all our good work. Hence, human beings were never going to achieve this on their own.  The people of Israel knew all about trying to atone for sin in a multitude of sacrifices in the Old Testament before and after they entered the promised land. However, this was a temporary fix for God’s people and not God’s plan for complete redemption.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

Redemption

Redemption means the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.

God’s promise for redemption included saving us from sin that leads to eternal death. In the Old Testament, the curse of the law prevented God’s people from obtaining redemption.  However, God’s plan included Jesus of Nazareth.  Jesus is God’s one and only son who came to redeem God’s people.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV

We just need to believe that Jesus is fully man and fully God.  A man that died on the cross for our sins and a God that rose from the dead and is seated at the right hand of God. This was God’s plan for fixing the broken relationship between man and God. This is the redemptive story of the Bible from the beginning of creation. It is all about the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1 ESV

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:14 ESV

The Bible Is About Redemption From Jesus Christ

Christ Jesus is the redemption prophesized in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. The apostle Paul is a shining example of God’s redemptive power.  As Saul of Tarsus, Paul persecuted and killed the followers of Jesus. Jesus confronts Saul on the road to Damascus, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Acts 9:3-6 NIV. Jesus redeems Paul who goes on to bring more people to Christ in a short amount of time than anyone else. Paul also wrote most of the books in the New Testament. Paul received Jesus into his heart and was transformed.

Other redemption stories include the story of Peter. Peter whom Jesus loved denied Him three times, but Jesus restored Him by Asking Him do you Love me three times. Then Jesus requested that He continue the work that He commanded him to do. Feed His lambs and sheep.  Peter went on to bring many to Christ by going out and preaching the Good News.  This is why the Bible is about redemption.

“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

John 21:15-17 ESV

We Need Redemption

Mankind was made for worship.  We spend all our time worshiping everything but God. We may worship our job, money, family, games, fame, or anything else except God.  It is in our nature to worship something. However, we only truly find peace in the worshiping of God. We will never fulfill our desire for a better world without the Lord. Every Biblical story teaches us that we will find peace only in God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus., Philippians 4:7

Receiving Redemption

There are many stories of redemption in the Bible. The prodigal son is one where the son left home and later ran out of money and returned home to his father. His father was waiting with open arms to celebrate the return of his son.  This is how God feels when we return home.  He will forgive us and redeem us by the blood of Christ. This is not just a great story it is a new life and new beginnings.

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. Luke 15:24 ESV

We can all receive this redemption. It does not matter what we have ever done. However, right here and right now is the time to receive the gift of salvation.  Let the love of God redeem you. You don’t need to try to fix yourself first. God will meet you right where you are and make you a new creation. This is the redemptive store of the Bible. Hence, you just must step out on faith and believe. Jesus came to deliver us from darkness into His kingdom. Let us walk with confidence and receive grace and mercy from Jesus. This is the way to God and redemption.

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 ESV

Believe In The Christ Jesus

Believing in one man to redeem your soul and make everything right with God may seem to be too easy or too good to be true. However, this was always God’s plan for his people. God sent Jesus down to earth to be our Savior.  Jesus was fully man and fully God to be the perfect sacrifice. If He wasn’t fully man, He could not be our substitute. If Jesus wasn’t fully God, He could never overcome death. Jesus was both, a perfect man, and a Holy God. He is the perfect substitute for He rose from the dead. Hence, the power of death has been defeated. Jesus is the resurrection and the life for all. You can read this throughout the entire Bible.  

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, John 11:25 ESV

Starting back in ancient times God sent prophets to tell of this plan to redeem His people from the line of David. Jesus comes from the lineage of David. Hence, He is the ultimate Lord of lords and King of kings. Jesus will rule the kingdom with righteousness. We will live righteously in God’s kingdom for every knee shall bow to Jesus one day.

so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, Philippians 2:10 ESV

Jesus Obeys And Sends A Helper

Jesus provides many teachings on how we should live our lives. It starts with confessing sins and removing sin from our life. Then you should be baptized as an outward expression of your faith in Jesus. Most important we are to love God and love one another. Hence, we should love one another as God has loved us.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34 ESV

However, Jesus could not stay with us for His purpose was to redeem us upon His death. Jesus allowed Himself to be tortured and crucified for our redemption.  This was the will of God that He obeyed.  He is now seated at the right hand of God where He will rule his kingdom that has no end. However, Jesus did not leave us to our devices.  Before leavening He asked God to send us a helper.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, John 14:16 ESV

The Holy Spirit And Redemption

Our Lord Jesus Christ left so that the Holy Spirit can live in us and help us to live as Jesus taught. We must repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus to receive this gift.  The Helper, the Holy Spirit that lives in us will teach us and bring memories of Jesus and all that he teaches in the entire Bible. He will walk with us.

Once we receive the Holy Spirit our bodies become a temple of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives in us to guide us and protect us from physical and spiritual danger. He is able to comfort us and calm our fears.  He fills us with hope. The Holy Spirit has the power to sanctify us when we repent of our sins. The Holy Spirit is the spirit of God as Jesus is the son of God. They both play an integral part in our redemption. This is God’s work and the greatest story from the Bible.

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 ESV

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 ESV

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 1 Corinthians 6:19

The Entire Bible is About Redemption

From the day of creation, God knew there would be a need for redemption. Almost every biblical story point to a need for a savior. The Word of God has always pointed to a need for a Savior.  That savior would arrive at the pointed time to teach, heal, forgive, and love a fallen world. Jesus came to show us the way to be reconciled with the Father. It is the greatest story ever told. In the scripture, we see the unfolding promises of God in the flesh and the death of His son.

The Bible is about redemption because the deliverance of humankind depended on a Holy God that could provide a plan of redemption. This plan was the final covenant between God and mankind for it was by the blood of Jesus we would be saved. Jesus laid down His life for us while we were still sinners. What God would make such a sacrifice for unrighteous people? A God of love, mercy, and full of grace. Today, you can accept this love from the ultimate sacrifice. God’s love for you is the same as yesterday, and today and will last forever. Today choose to spend all your tomorrows in Christ. May God bless you through your journey. Amen.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (ESV)

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 ESV

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)

Recap For The Bible Is About Redemption:

  • Redemption is being saved by God’s grace and mercy.
  • Confess our sins.
  • Repent and sin no more.
  • Believe that Jesus died for our sins and that He is coming again.
  • Receive the Holy Spirit.
  • Love God and love others.

Additional Resources:

Why Jesus Is Important

The Holy Spirit

Unconditional Love Of God

Surrender To God

Understanding God’s Holiness And Ours