What is redemption?
Quick Answer
Redemption is God's act of purchasing believers out of slavery to sin through the payment of Christ's blood, setting them free to belong to Him.
Understanding Redemption
Redemption is a marketplace term that describes the act of buying something back or paying a ransom price to release a slave. In biblical theology, redemption refers to God's deliverance of His people through the payment of a price. Humanity, enslaved to sin, could not free itself. Just as a slave in the ancient world needed someone to pay their redemption price, so sinners need a Redeemer. The Greek word 'apolutrosis' emphasizes release through payment. Jesus Christ is that Redeemer, and His blood is the redemption price. Through His death, believers are purchased from the slave market of sin, transferred from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of light, and given a new identity as children of God. Redemption is both accomplished (the price has been paid) and applied (believers experience its benefits).
In the Old Testament
Redemption is deeply rooted in Old Testament history and law. The Exodus was Israel's foundational redemption experience - God delivering them from Egyptian slavery with His mighty hand. The Law established the kinsman-redeemer system, where a close relative could buy back property or free a family member from servitude. The book of Ruth beautifully illustrates this through Boaz redeeming Ruth. The Hebrew word 'gaal' (to redeem, act as kinsman) pointed forward to Christ, our ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. The prophets looked ahead to a future redemption greater than the Exodus, when God would redeem His people from sin itself.
In the New Testament
The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of all redemption imagery. He is the Lamb of God whose blood purchases our freedom (John 1:29). His death is explicitly described as a ransom payment (Mark 10:45, 1 Timothy 2:6). Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices that needed constant repetition, Christ's redemptive work was accomplished 'once for all' (Hebrews 9:12). Redemption in Christ includes forgiveness of sins, deliverance from sin's power, and the future redemption of our bodies at the resurrection. Believers are called to live in light of the great price paid for their freedom.
Key Scripture References
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
Read full commentary →1 Peter 1:18-19“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold... But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
Read full commentary →Colossians 1:14“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”
Read full commentary →Galatians 3:13“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.”
Read full commentary →Romans 3:24“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
Read full commentary →Titus 2:14“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
Read full commentary →Related Concepts
Want to Learn More About Redemption?
Ask a Biblical figure directly about this concept. Get Scripture-grounded answers in their own voice.
Explore More Concepts
What is grace?
Grace is God's unmerited favor and lovingkindness toward humanity - the free gift of salvation and blessing that we could never earn or deserve.
What is faith?
Faith is complete trust and confidence in God - believing His promises, accepting His truth, and committing one's life to Him even when circumstances seem contrary.
What is justification?
Justification is God's act of declaring guilty sinners righteous based on Christ's perfect righteousness, received through faith - as if they had never sinned.
What is sanctification?
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God transforms believers to become more like Christ in character and conduct, separating them from sin for holy purposes.
What is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the Christian doctrine that God eternally exists as three distinct persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - who are one in essence, equal in power and glory.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity - fully God - who convicts of sin, regenerates believers, indwells them, and empowers them for godly living and service.