Three Greek words are used in the New Testament to explain the doctrine of redemption. These words convey the idea of a ransom, a removal and a release.
First, redemption involves a ransom. God tells us in His Word that human beings are enslaved to sin and that He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to earth to redeem humanity from sin. (1 Timothy 2:5-6)
Jesus was willing and able to purchase the redemption of the entire world by His death on the cross because of His sinless life and infinite worth. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
Second, redemption involves a removal.
When we believe in Jesus Christ for eternal life, (1 Timothy 1:16) we are removed from the slave market of sin and adopted as sons of God. (Galatians 4:4-7) We are also removed from the curse of the Mosaic Law because Christ became a curse for us. (Galatians 3:13)
Third, redemption involves a release.
Believers are fully released through the death of Christ. Our sins are forgiven so that they are no longer a barrier that separates us from God. (Ephesians 1:7) We are set free from the tyranny of sin that we might be free to serve God, glorify Him in our bodies and be zealous to perform good deeds. (Romans 6:18, 22; 8:2; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Titus 2:14)
Finally, believers look forward to the release of their bodies from corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (Romans 8:18-23; Ephesians 1:14; 4:30)
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