There are many verses in the Bible which represent Christ's mission of his birth, sufferings and death under the idea of a ransom or price, and the result thereby secured is a purchase or redemption (Please read, Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; Gal. 3:13; 4:4, 5; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6; Titus 2:14; Heb. 9:12; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19; Rev. 5:9). The idea of making reference and running through all these texts, however is to see payment made for our sins (redemption).
The debt against us is not viewed as simply cancelled, but is fully paid. Christ's blood or life, which he surrendered for them, is the "ransom" by which the deliverance of his people from the servitude of sin and from its penal consequences is secured. It is the plain doctrine of Scripture that Christ saves us neither by the mere exercise of power, nor by his doctrine, nor by his example, nor by the moral influence which he exerted, nor by any subjective influence on his people, whether natural or mystical, but as a satisfaction to divine justice, as an expiation for sin, and as a ransom from the curse and authority of the law, thus reconciling us to God by making it consistent with his perfection to exercise mercy toward sinners.
In Genesis chapter 3, Adam was promised a blessed life on earth. However, God also promised disobedience would bring death to Adam (and us, through Adam). When Adam disobeyed, he began the process of dying. Life became extremely difficult with many troubles. All Adam’s children inherited the consequences of his sin. We were a doomed and dying race. “Sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” Romans 5:12.
Later, Jesus came to earth to redeem man from this disaster! He willingly gave his earthly life up for us. John 10:18, “No one has taken it (life) away from me, but I lay it down on my own initiative.” He was sinless (“the Word made flesh,” John 1:14) and was not one of Adam’s descendants born in sin. Therefore, he could have lived for as long as he was obedient. Instead, he gave it up in exchange for our lives.
Since justice requires a life for a life, when Jesus died for Adam, justice was satisfied. Mankind was freed from the sentence of eternal death. I Corinthians 15:22, “as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
God intended perfect human life for mankind, here. Because Adam and Eve did not appreciate the horrible results of sin, they chose to disobey. However, all of Adam's children are now learning about the destructiveness of sin in this present life. When people are resurrected on earth, they will be presented with the same choices as Adam had. Obedience will bring perfect, eternal life on earth. Disobedience will result in the second death.
God’s plan also permits certain “called ones” to strive for an even greater type of salvation: a heavenly calling! Philippians 3:14, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” The New Testament was written to guide those striving for this reward, and these true Christians are referred to as Christ’s body, or as his church, the new creation, the saints, etc.
But why does God leave saved Christians on earth? Why doesn't He take them to heaven immediately? Because they need to develop the fruit of the spirit and to become obedient through suffering. Jesus, Himself, was perfected by His suffering experiences. Hebrews 5:8, 9, “Although he (Jesus) was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and being made perfect he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.” Christ’s body members follow in His footsteps. “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him,” 2 Timothy 2:12.
Therefore let us, Christians, be faithful unto death in order to receive the crown of life. Revelation 2:10.
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Chapter 2 - The Birth of Jesus Christ
Chapter 3 - The Visit of the Wise Men
Chapter 4 - Flight into Egypt and Return to Nazareth
Chapter 5 - Earthly Childhood of Jesus Christ
Chapter 6 - Baptism and Temptations of Jesus Christ
Chapter 7 - The Ministry and Teachings of Jesus Christ
Chapter 8 - Betrayal and Arrest of the Lord Jesus Christ
Chapter 9 - Condemnation and Death of Jesus Christ
Chapter 10 - Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ
Chapter 11 - The Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Chapter 12 - The Day of Judgment
QUESTIONS
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Earn your affordable AA Degree with 22 faith-building, Biblically-centered courses for personal/ small group study of God's Word/ ministry preparation. 450 question final exam. 2 years to complete. Low tuition. No prerequisite.
Earn your affordable, accredited online BA Degree in Theology w 20 faith-building Bible courses, including: Christian Religion; Biblical Doctrines, Discovering Christ & His Kingdom, Principles of Hermeneutics, AA Prereq. 450-Q final exam. Low ...
