Two-Fold Redemption
Redemption is a two-fold thing. There is redemption by
price, and redemption by power. This is beautifully set forth typically by
God's deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt. The Israelites were
sealed by blood and kept from the judgment of God. Then God stretched out his
mighty arm and redeemed them from the bondage of Egypt.
The Lord Jesus Christ paid the
price of our redemption at Calvary. God demanded a perfect righteousness.
Therefore, our Savior assumed our nature. As a man he became subject to the
will and law of God in every point working out a perfect righteousness as our
Representative. But that was not enough. Divine Justice demanded a full payment
and satisfaction for our transgressions. This could only be accomplished by the
death of the sinner. Therefore, "God made Christ to be sin for us."
And in holy justice the Son of God died in our place upon the cross. God's
righteousness and justice were fully satisfied. The price of our redemption was
Christ's precious blood. Only by the payment of that price can God both be just
and the justifier of the ungodly.
But
still his people were under the bondage of sin. We were still under the tyranny
of the law. We were still in captivity to Satan and our own lusts. There must
also be a Redemption by Power. This redemption by power is the new birth. It is
accomplished by our Lord Jesus Christ, through the operation of the Holy
Spirit. At God's appointed time he sends forth the Spirit of his Son into the
hearts of his people, that they might receive the adoption of sons. Mark it
down as a sure fact - Every soul that Jesus Christ redeemed by the price of his
shed blood, he will also redeem by the power of his right arm.
Both
are essential to salvation. We must have a suitable Substitute, to redeem us
with the price of his own blood. And we must have a Sovereign Deliverer, to
redeem us with the power of his right arm. By virtue of his shed blood, Jesus
Christ sets the prisoner free. Let us give praise to our merciful Redeemer.
Don Fortner