This theological essay will address the relationship of human sinfulness to an aspect of the doctrine of salvation (Redemption). It will examine redemption, define and describe the doctrine with its biblical, historical and theological contours as well as discuss how this image of salvation relates to and addresses the problem of sin. Finally, implications of this doctrine will be applied to the Christian life and a chosen vocation.
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Introduction
Both in the Bible and theology, the doctrine of redemption is an essential aspect of God’s work in salvation. As one of the images of salvation, redemption is specifically concerned with the element of salvation accomplished in the death of Jesus. Through this sacrificial death, those who believe in God are freed from the bondage of sin. However, Christians must repent and maintain their faith in God to earn redemption. As the ultimate redeemer God, redemption is one of the ways that God consistently demonstrate His undying love for humankind. Besides delivering believers from sin, redemption also allows humanity to enjoy all the benefits associated with the doctrine of salvation.
Redemption Definition and Description
The primary expression for the term description as used in the Old Testament is a verb derived from Greek which refers to a market place or a forum. Thus, the term simply means to purchase or buy (Fesko, 2016). In relation to the Biblical meaning, redemption refers to the divine purchase activity of Christians through God’s sacrifice of His only begotten son to die on the cross for the sake of humankind (Zambakari, 2018). Hence, in theology, the term redemption refers to the phenomenon of God’s deliverance of humans from sin and restoring humanity to the state of grace by an act of love and divine power (Nelson, 2017). Redemption was achieved through Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, whereby he died on the cross as a price to purchase, or ransom humans from the captivity of evil (Fesko, 2016). Jesus only remained dead for two days and resurrected on the third day. Through God raising Jesus from the dead, redemption is attained in that besides conquering evil through death and resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven, and he now sits in the right of God interceding for humans (Romans 8:34, King James Version). Jesus is, therefore, the historical figure who facilitated the divine act as per God’s will; hence, the redeemer. The redemption wrought by God in Jesus is a unique concept, which demonstrates God’s everlasting love for humankind as well as His divine power.
Relationship Between Redemption and The Problem of Sin
From a Christianity standpoint, sin refers to the violation of God’s will. The Bible explains that God created humankind free of evil, but they tainted themselves when Adam and Eve committed the original sin. Consequently, humans are born sinners to live in a world characterized by sins and temptations. Romans 3:23 (King James Version) states that every person has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Similarly, Ecclesiastes 7:20 (King James Version) asserts that there is certainly no righteous man on earth – who does good and never sins. However, since God’s has an undying love for humankind, He has established a way through which those who believe in Him can attain redemption. Romans 2:24 (King James Version) further explains that although all humans sin and fall short of the glory of God, they are guaranteed of righteousness which comes through faith in Jesus. As such, their sins are justified freely by God’s grace through the redemption that is in Jesus. Thus, as per the Christian worldview, redemption entails deliverance of humankind from sin (Nelson, 2017). In this light, redemption assumes a crucial role in salvation since transgressions form a robust system against which human power is incompetent. However, through the power of redemption, humans are delivered from sin (Zambakari, 2018). Thus, redemption frees believers from the slavery of sin.
Application
The image of redemption as utilized in the doctrine of salvation is essential to Christians. The concept of redemption provides Christians with the hope of salvation despite their imperfect ways of living. Despite all the efforts by humankind to remain righteous, people always find themselves falling short of God’s glory. The doctrine of redemption strengthens humankind’s faith in God (Zambakari, 2018). Theology defines repentance as a heartfelt sorrow for sin, renouncing sin, and a sincere commitment to forsake sin and live in obedience to God’s will (Fesko, 2016). Understanding of the concept of redemption incentivizes Christians to renounce and forsake sin and strive towards living a life that glorifies God. The doctrine of redemption also serves as a constant reminder to Christians regarding God’s undying love for humankind. The Biblical concept of redemption defines God as the ultimate redeemer saving the believers from sin and evil. Redemption is an exhibition of God’s grace through which He rescues and restores those who believe in Him (Zambakari, 2018). Therefore, the doctrine of redemption cements the relationship between humankind and God, as Christians remain well assured to receive the benefits of salvation.
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Conclusion
To sum up, the doctrine of redemption entails God’s divine act of delivering and restoring humankind from sin. Through redemption, God demonstrates his undying love for humanity, whereby He wants them to be free from the bondage of sin. Since humans cannot maintain righteousness, redemption through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus provides them with the opportunity to repent, consequently earning freedom from the slavery of sin. However, it is crucial that humans demonstrate heartfelt sorrow for sin, renounce and forsake it, and exhibit sincere commitment to live in accordance with God’s will. Thus, redemption facilitates salvation for believers from sin.
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