Image of Salvation
Introduction
The Christianity religion comprises of different doctrines and values which Christians follow and distinguish them from others. For individuals interested in religion, their main concern is the problem of sin and human error. Sin is associated with punishment and suffering, hence the creation of hell to punish ultimate sins. Therefore, central to Christianity, salvation is important.one way of achieving and understanding salvation to humankind is the idea of redemption. There is the power of redemption to provide correction and a way out from the dark road of sinful acts. This essay will examine redemption as a biblical image of salvation to gain a deeper understanding of the love of God for humanity and His desire to reunite His creation.
Definition and Description of Redemption
In Greek, the origin of the word redemption is agorazo which means the market place or the literal meaning “to buy from the market place”. This purchase is referring to the nature of God, restoring His relationship with humanity. Theologians and Christians definition of redemption is deliverance, but the kind of deliverance that results from paying a great price. That is the mystery of God’s deliverance of humanity from sinful acts restoring him/her to the state of grace. In the New Testament, Ephesians 1:7 God removed the sin problem by sending Jesus Christ, as the agent and through His death on the cross, He bought Christian’s redemption. Exodus 6:6 talks about God redeeming the Israelites from their enslavement to the Egyptians. He talks about delivering or rescuing them from the labour they imposed and redeem them with great judgements. The Bible teaches that the death of Christ and His work of redemption was for the sins of the whole world as a penalty. Redemption restores the true relationship of an individual and gives him the foundation of creating a true relationship with others and fulfil the purpose of being in the world. Redemption act spans from Eve and Adam’s sinful acts and falls from grace.
Relationship between Redemption and Problem of Sin
Paul, an apostle, wrote extensively on the concept of redemption, talking about the saving significance of the death of Christ. The apostle Paul stated: “You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20. Paul was once prosecuted, but he becomes a believer. In his letters, Paul uses the knowledge of redemption to refer to the freedom from captivity after being delivered from sin. “For whom did Christ die?” This question is common among believers and non-believers. According to the general redemption view, from the support of the Scripture, He died for all men. People make different mistakes. Christians believe that once one goes against the Laws of God, he/she goes to hell. Redemption rescues sinners from the aftermath of their crimes by killing their sinful spirit. Once the church is individually redeemed, they become worthy of eternal life and reconcile with God through faith. Paul encourages the church to use redemption as a unifier with Christ. Redemption solves the sin problem because the settlement resolves the problem of the sinner.
Application
According to Romans 3:23, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Everyone needs redemption in their lives. Redemption restores Christian’s relationship with God and humanity by freeing them from guilt and fear. It gives them a purpose to represent Him through various activities. Christ calls everyone to belong to Him and participate in redemptive work. The application of redemption is evident in the death of Christ on the cross. Christians believe that through redemption, they achieve peace with God, the right relationship with God, and becomes part of His family. They live in anticipation of the eternal home with God in the afterlife. God calls us different to particular kinds of work, for example calling Noah to build the ark and save him and others from floods. For my vocation, which is music, knowledge on redemption guides on the ultimate image of calling in the Bible to follow Christ. Through music, I can encourage people that even when the economy, people, or the world changes, God will always remain the same. The music encourages others to have hope in Him and believe in His redemption amid crisis and chaos. Giving God our devotion and time through music shows our willingness to offer love and compassion to those who might never reciprocate it.
Conclusion
Believers can see the ultimate act of redemption in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The doctrine of redemption is associated with human sin because it teaches that God provides love to those who recognize the need for redemption; this is forgiving all sins. The same way God provides unreasonable kindness and love to His people Christians strive to offer the same for others. The Bible has all the knowledge and guiding light towards redemption; Christians only have to learn to follow the presence of knowledge and attain the power within themselves to become worthy of Christ’s redemption. When faced with sins against them, Christians have to remember the suffering Jesus had on the cross for every sin committed; and chose forgiveness and love.
References
King James Version. Ephesians 1:7, Exodus 6:6, 1 Corinthians 6:20, Romans 3:23