Page 16 - May 2024 - Truth & Tidings

Introduction refusing to let His firstborn go free (Exo
“In whom we have redemption 4:22,23). Redemption, therefore, has a
through his blood, the forgiveness of legal basis and legal ramifications. This is
sins, according to the riches of his grace” why God could later claim every firstborn
(Eph 1:7) is among the best summary male as His own.
1
statements on redemption. The basic nuts The predominant imagery in Exodus is
and bolts are that a relative (in whom) redemption by blood and by power. The
with resources (riches) pays a ransom former emphasises the payment made;
price (blood) to release (redemption) the latter highlights deliverance wrought.
an individual from a form of slavery The book of Ruth typifies Christ as the
(sins) and brings them into real liberty person who accomplishes redemption.
(forgiveness). Payment and deliverance He is the kinsman redeemer (Rut 3:12,
are the dominant ideas. gaal), the mighty man of wealth (2:1),
The main thrust of redemption in who is able and willing to redeem (4:4-
the New Testament is that of legal 6). In remembering our Redeemer, we
deliverance from sin. Justification (a say with Naomi, “Blessed be the LORD,
legal term) is accomplished through the which hath not left [us] this day without
instrumentality of redemption (Rom a kinsman” (4:14).
3:24). The sister epistles concur, renaming The ransom price to buy Israel was
redemption – the forgiveness of sins (Eph the blood of the Passover. Peter sees the
1:7; Col 1:14) – deliverance of a forensic fulfilment of this type, saying that we
form. This means the ransom price was have been redeemed with “the precious
paid to God to satisfy His justice. blood of Christ … a lamb without blemish
and without spot” (1Pe 1:19). The blood of
Soteriological Christ was the currency to release slaves
The timeless picture of redemption is from sin. John says that the Lamb has
in Exodus where Israel was enslaved: “redeemed [agorazo] us to God by [his]
the Passover lamb was the ransom, and blood” (Rev 5:9). Agorazo has the idea of
deliverance was effected. The legal aspect a financial transaction in a marketplace.
is not that prominent, but the scales The Lamb of God at the cross entered
of justice can be seen, since God slays the slave market of sin to pay the ransom
the firstborn son of every Egyptian for price and release captive sinners. He is
the Ransom and the Redeemer.

1 Bible quotations in this article are from the KJV The blood of the lamb set off a chain
unless otherwise noted. reaction. Israel had been legally bought

144 TRUTH kTidings May 2024