Once upon a time, there was a poor man who owed much debt that he could not pay. As a result, he became the lender's slave according to their law. one day, somebody paid all his debt on his behalf, and he was set free. This story illustrates redemption.

The death of Jesus was for our redemption. "for when we were yet without strength, due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: get peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:6-8)

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Meaning of Redemption

"Redemption" is the translation of the Greek word apolutrosis which means ransom in full. Redemption is the full price or Ransome Jesus paid as the condition required for the freedom of sinners (slaves) in order to reconcile mankind with God. In other words, God bought back sinners through Redemption. This is the same thing that happens today. Ransom is paid to secure the freedom of slaves, hostages or those kidnapped.

Necessity for Redemption

As a result of the fall of Adam,man became a slave to sin and the devil became his master. sinners are slaves to sin (john 8:31-34; Roman 6:16-20). Jesus said in John 8:34, ***verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin".
The word "servant" in that passage in the translation of the Greek word Duolos which means slave.

God lost mankind whom he created to worship him and to enjoy him forever. Therefore, Redemption was necessary for God to reclaim mab into an everlasting relationship with him.

Jesus started his public ministry by declaring the reason he came to earth, freedom to the captives- those under various types of bondage. The spirit of the lord is upon me to preach the gospel to the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set a liberty them that are bruised.." you can that in Luke 4: 18-19.

Means of Redemption

Unlike the human situation which necessitates payment of Ransome to the captor or the master of a slave, the devil is not entitled to receive any payment for the Redemption of sinners whom he has held captive. God had a different means of Redemption: the precious blood of Jesus Christ. This price that Jesus paid his blood satisfied all the conditions necessary to secure the freedom of sinners. However, only those who believe in Jesus and accept him as lord and saviour are redeemed.

Benefits of Redemption

• Forgiveness of sin: (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14)

• Freedom from condemnation under the law (Galatians 3:13). note that the law màkes everybody guilty because nobody could satisfy its demands or requirements (Romans 3: 19-20).

• Justification by which God makes us righteous (Romans 3:24)

• Deliverance from the power of sin (Titus 2:14)

• Legal right to the blessing of Abraham through faith in Jesus (Galatians 3:14).