Redemption
Category
Salvation & Redemption
Biblical Definition
God's act of securing release from bondage by the payment of a price, supremely accomplished through the blood of Christ.
Origin(s)
Hebrew: גָּאַל / פָּדָה; Greek: ἀπολύτρωσις / λυτρόω
Transliteration
gā'al; pādâ; apolytrōsis; lytroō
Literal meaning
to redeem as kinsman; to ransom or set free; release effected by payment
Key Scripture(s)
Exodus 6:6; Ruth 4:14; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:13-14; Hebrews 9:12; 1 Peter 1:18-19
Theological Significance
Redemption frames salvation as liberation from slavery to sin, guilt, and death. It also preserves the biblical truth that deliverance is costly: Christ redeems not by bare power alone but through His sacrificial self-giving.
Common Misunderstanding(s)
Redemption is not mere emotional relief or generic rescue. In Scripture it includes a price, a deliverer, and an objective release from bondage.
Practical Application
Redemption assures believers that they belong to God, encourages holy living befitting the redeemed, and fosters gratitude for the costly grace of Christ.