Now let’s speak about redeemed. Redemption includes being bought, but it goes beyond that to take in being set free. The meaning given in any good Bible dictionary is: “bought back and set free.” It indicates that there is not just a change of ownership (a change of masters) as in “bought;” there is also a change of condition.
The great emphasis in “redeemed” is being set free. Hence, Scripture does not speak of believers being redeemed to God, because redemption always has to do with being set free "from" things (Gen. 48:1616The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth. (Genesis 48:16); 1 Chron. 17:2121And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt? (1 Chronicles 17:21); Titus 2:1414Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14); 1 Peter 1:1818Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (1 Peter 1:18)). (Revelation 5:99And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Revelation 5:9), in the KJV, says, "Redeemed us to God..." but it should be translated, "Bought us to God..." (W. Kelly Translation).
Four Aspects of Redemption
There are at least four different ways in which redemption is applied to persons and things—our souls, our time (opportunities), our bodies, and our inheritance.
1) The Redemption of Our Souls
Turn to Romans 3:2424Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (Romans 3:24): “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” And in Ephesians 1:77In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7): “In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Titus 2:13-1413Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:13‑14): “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” And again, in 1 Peter 1:1818Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (1 Peter 1:18): “Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” These verses show that redemption applies to the souls of believers. Those who, by faith, own Christ's purchase on the cross and receive Him as Saviour are thus redeemed; it is an “eternal redemption” (Heb. 9:1212Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:12)).
This aspect of redemption is two-fold. Firstly, believers are set free from the judgment of God against their sins. This has been called, "Redemption by blood" (1 Peter 1:1818Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (1 Peter 1:18); Eph. 1:77In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7)). Secondly, believers are set free from the enslaving power of sin (Rom. 6:18; 8:218Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. (Romans 6:18)
2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)), from the dominion of Satan (Heb. 2:1414Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (Hebrews 2:14)), and from the course of this world (Gal. 1:44Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (Galatians 1:4)). This has been called, "Redemption by power." (Whether this deliverance is practically so in the lives of believers is another thing; such depends upon the believer yielding to the indwelling Spirit of God.)
Paul develops the truth of the gospel along the line of redemption by blood in Romans 3:2121But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (Romans 3:21)–5:11, and then he develops the truth along the line of redemption by power in Romans 5:1212Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Romans 5:12)–8:39. A type of this two-fold redemption is found in Exodus 12 and 14. In Exodus 12, the children of Israel were set free from the judgment of God by being under the shelter of the blood of the lambs that were killed. In Exodus 14, the children of Israel were set free from Pharaoh (a type of Satan), from slavery (a type of the enslaving power of the flesh), and from Egypt (the world) by God's power displayed at the Red Sea.
Before the love, mercy, and grace of God reached us, we were under the judgment of God (John 3:1818He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)), but Ephesians 2:2-32Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. (Ephesians 2:2‑3) shows that we were also under the power and control of sin, Satan, and the world. It says: “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind.” All three of these enemies work together to keep the sinner in bondage.
Sin
Men don’t like to admit that they are in bondage and under control of the sins in their lives. They are honestly deceived, thinking that the life they live is not bondage, but this just points to the solemn fact of sin’s blinding power. Romans 3:99What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; (Romans 3:9) says: “We have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin.” Also Proverbs 5:22That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge. (Proverbs 5:2)2 Says: “His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.” And again, in John 8:3434Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. (John 8:34): “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” Apart from the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, all men, Jews or Gentiles, are under the dominion and power of sin, and need to be set free from it. Receiving by faith the truth of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus will make one “free indeed” from this internal power (John 8:32, 3632And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)
36If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)).
Satan
Believers are also set free from Satan. He dominates all his subjects and is doing all he can to keep them in his grasp, without them knowing it. Luke 11:21-22 Says: “When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, He taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.” Satan is the “strong man” here. His “goods” are his poor sin-sick subjects under his dominion. They are “in peace” because he has deceived them into thinking that everything is fine (2 Cor. 4:44In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:4)). Hence, they are not concerned about their destiny in a lost eternity. The “stronger” Man is the Lord Jesus. When sinners believe on Him, His redemptive power sets them free so that they are able to live for God’s glory. The point here is that the redemption that is in Christ Jesus sets people free from Satan’s dominion. When His work in redemption is received by faith, it turns people “from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God” (Acts 26:1818To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (Acts 26:18); Col. 1:13-1413Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Colossians 1:13‑14); Heb. 2:14-1514Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:14‑15)).
The World
Lastly, believers are set free from the course of this world. Satan uses the world system to control his subjects. The course of this world is a powerful thing that makes people act and speak the way they do. They need to be delivered from it; this is only found in Christ. “Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father” (Gal. 1:3-43Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (Galatians 1:3‑4)).
The Law
If a person is Jewish, redemption would also include being set free from the curse of the Law. This is also found in Christ. “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (Gal. 3:13 4:4-5). A Gentile, of course, does not need to be set free from the claims of the Law, because he has never been formally under the Law.
2) The Redemption of Our Time
Now let’s turn to Ephesians 5:15-1615See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15‑16): “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” And also, in Colossians 4:55Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. (Colossians 4:5): “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” Here we have another aspect of redemption. It has to do with opportunities in our lives to live for the glory of God. This has nothing to do with what is eternal, but solely with our time is OUR responsibility. We are to do the redeeming or setting free of it in this sense.
We are living in an evil day, and if the devil could have his way, we would never have any time for the Lord. He wants to fill our lives with anything and everything so that we don’t have time for Him and His things. The Lord, therefore, said: “The violent take it by force” (Matt. 11:1212And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. (Matthew 11:12)). This means that we have to press into the kingdom practically by doing violence (in spiritual warfare) to things that are in the way. Therefore, we must seize the occasion from the enemy, and use it for the Lord—whether it is time for taking in the truth by sitting at Jesus’ feet, or time in service, sharing the truth with others. In Ephesians, it is in connection with using our time to strengthen and encourage those within the Christian circle (“yourselves”), but in Colossians, it is in connection with reaching out to “them that are without” with the gospel. These are two things that are worthy of our time.
3) The Redemption of Our Bodies
Turn next to Ephesians 4:3030And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30): “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” And then in Romans 8:2323And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:23): “We ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” This is another aspect of redemption. The bodies of the saints need to be redeemed as well as their souls. Our souls were set free when we, by faith, received the Lord Jesus as our Saviour; but we are still waiting for the redemption of our bodies. These verses show that there is a “day of redemption.” It is the day in which the Lord Jesus will come to take us home to heaven (the Rapture).
here in this world. The redemption of our souls is purely HIS work, but the redemption of time in our lives I remember hearing H. E. Hayhoe say (in a recording), “Brethren, we have only part of our redemption now!” That must have caused some stir! But in the light of these two verses, it is certainly true. Our bodies are still subject to the effects of sin in the creation (“the bondage of corruption” – Rom. 8:2121Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. (Romans 8:21)), and they are waiting to be set free. Aging, sickness, and impending death await us if the Lord does not come in our lifetime. But when He comes, we will be glorified immediately. The fallen sin-nature will be eradicated at that time, and the aches and pains presently connected with our bodies will all be gone! The glorification of the sons of God will be at the Rapture (Rom. 8:1818For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)), but the manifestation of the sons of God will be at the Appearing of Christ (Rom. 8:1919For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. (Romans 8:19)).
Philippians 3:20-2120For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:20‑21) brings this out beautifully: “Our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.” Here the Lord Jesus is spoken of, not as the Saviour of our souls, but the Saviour of our bodies. He is coming to save or redeem our bodies! This verse should be translated, “ ... who shall transform our body of humiliation.” “Vile” (KJV) is an unhappy word here because our bodies are a creation of God, and therefore, are not vile. They are affected by sin but are not sinful. If they were sinful and vile, God would never beseech us to present our bodies (in their present unglorified state) to Him as a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:11I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)).
The saints who have passed away, who are with the Lord now, are waiting, as we are waiting, for the redemption of their bodies. This, I say, will happen when the Lord comes. They will experience the putting on of “incorruption,” when their bodies are raised and reunited with their souls and spirits in that glorified state. At the same time, those of us who are alive when the Lord comes will experience the putting on of “immortality.” Thus, our redemption will be complete. It will all happen in “the twinkling of an eye” (1 Cor. 15:51-5451Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. (1 Corinthians 15:51‑54)).
4) The Redemption of Our Inheritance
Let’s turn back to Ephesians 1:13-1413In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13‑14) which we read already: “In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which [who] is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.” We have touched on this passage to speak of the purchase of the inheritance, but now let’s look at it in connection with the redemption of the inheritance.
As I’ve said, sin, Satan, and the world have affected all that Christ has made by His power and wisdom. Every created thing has been purchased and is awaiting redemption. The creation, and all in it, is suffering under “the bondage of corruption” (Rom. 8:20-2220For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. (Romans 8:20‑22)), but there is a time coming when it will be set free from every adverse thing and power to be used as a stage for the display of the glory of Christ.
Not only do persons need to be set free, but so do things in the creation; they have all been affected by sin. There is still much in the creation that we can enjoy, even in its fallen condition, but when Christ appears, He will set it free by an act of God's power in redemption. Satan also, controls much of this world’s goods. He said to the Lord: “All this power will I give Thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it” (Luke 4:66And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. (Luke 4:6)). Thus, these material things need to be set free from his grasp. We might ask, “How are material things governed or controlled by Satan and the world?” Much of the lower creation has been commercialized and ordered by worldly principles, and thus spoiled. The creation must be set free from this world system, and as mentioned, it will be done through judgment when the Lord comes at His appearing.
God’s great purpose is to glorify His Son; and He has chosen this creation as the stage to do it. This will be done in two spheres—in heaven and on earth (Eph. 1:1010That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (Ephesians 1:10)). In the millennial day, God will display the glory of His Son through the Church to a wondering world—in this very scene where He was rejected and cast out (2 Thess. 1:1010When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. (2 Thessalonians 1:10); Rev. 21:9-22:59And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. 10And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 12And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 16And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. 17And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. 18And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. 22And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it. 25And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. 27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. 1And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. (Revelation 21:9‑22:5)). This groaning creation waits (unconsciously) to be set free from sin, Satan, and the world, so that it can be used for that glorious purpose. Today, Satan and worldly unbelievers are using the earth for their self-serving purposes; but then it will be set free to be used for the Lord’s glory.
There is this difference between the redemption of our bodies and the redemption of all things; our bodies will be redeemed at the Rapture, whereas the redemption of all things awaits Christ’s Appearing, some 7 years later (after the Tribulation period).
Summary
The redemption of our souls—occurs when we receive Christ as our Saviour.
The redemption of our time—should go on throughout our lives.
The redemption of our bodies—occurs at the Rapture.
The redemption of our inheritance—occurs at the Appearing of Christ.