TOPIC 11 OF 47
Christ’s Work of Redemption
Christ has redeemed us through his life, death, and resurrection.
THE MAIN TRUTH
God came in the human flesh of Jesus Christ to redeem all humanity.
The teaching
From the book · pages 32–34
God came in the human flesh of Jesus Christ to redeem all humanity. Just as God rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt through the exodus to bring them into the Promised Land, so he has accomplished a greater exodus in Christ, the King.
Jesus took our place as he lived a perfect life of obedience to the Father, keeping God’s Law for us as the Righteous One. Christ Jesus suffered and died on the cross as the sinless substitute to pay the price sufficient for everyone’s sin. The blood of the Lamb of God, shed in his sacrificial death, saved us from God’s wrath and judgment, forgave and freed us from our sin and guilt, destroyed the power of the Devil, and conquered death and the grave.
Having announced his victory in hell, Christ bodily rose from the dead. God vindicated him as our Brother, who brought humanity out of the death of sin through his resurrection into the joy-filled life of peace with God. The risen King ascended into heaven—our High Priest who reigns as Lord at the Father’s right hand. On the Last Day, Jesus will reappear in glory to raise the dead, judge all people, and restore creation in his heavenly presence.
Scripture foundations
All Scripture excerpts from this topic are presented below in the book’s order. Ellipses and bracketed explanations follow the manuscript. Select a reference to read the surrounding passage in the EHV.
Reading these passages together
These passages describe the one saving work of Jesus through sacrifice, ransom, reconciliation, and victory. Hold his obedient life, cross, resurrection, and exaltation together.
12 Scripture excerpt groups
SCRIPTURE 01
Colossians 1:19-20 ↗
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in [Christ], and through him to reconcile all things to himself (whether things on earth or in heaven) by making peace through the blood of his cross.”
Book page 33
SCRIPTURE 02
Ephesians 1:7 ↗
“In [Christ] we also have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in keeping with the riches of his grace. . .”
Book page 33
SCRIPTURE 03
Luke 9:31 ↗
[When Jesus was transfigured and was talking with Moses and Elijah] “They appeared in glory and were talking about his departure [‘exodus’], which he was going to bring to fulfillment in Jerusalem.”
Book page 33
SCRIPTURE 04
Galatians 4:4-5 ↗
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son to be born of a woman, so that he would be born under the law, in order to redeem those under the law, so that we would be adopted as sons.”
Book page 33
SCRIPTURE 05
Romans 5:19 ↗
“For just as through the disobedience of one man the many became sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will become righteous.”
Book page 33
SCRIPTURE 06
1 Peter 1:18-19 ↗
“. . . you were redeemed from your empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers . . . with the precious blood of Christ, like a lamb without blemish or spot.”
Book page 33
SCRIPTURE 07
Colossians 2:14-15 ↗
“God erased the record of our debt brought against us by his legal demands. This record stood against us, but he took it away by nailing it to the cross. After disarming the rulers and authorities, he made a public display of them by triumphing over them in Christ.”
Book page 34
SCRIPTURE 08
Hebrews 2:14-15 ↗
“Therefore, since the children share flesh and blood, [Jesus] also shared the same flesh and blood, so that through death he could destroy the one who had the power of death (that is, the Devil) and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death.”
Book page 34
SCRIPTURE 09
1 Corinthians 15:3-4; John 11:25 ↗
“. . . Christ died for our sins . . . he was buried . . . he was raised on the third day . . .” “I am the resurrection and the life.”
Book page 34
SCRIPTURE 10
1 Peter 3:18-19, 22; Hebrews 6:20 ↗
“. . . Christ also suffered once for sins in our place, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in flesh but was made alive in spirit, in which he also went and made an announcement to the spirits in prison . . . He went to heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.” “. . . he became a high priest forever. . .”
Book page 34
SCRIPTURE 11
2 Timothy 4:1 ↗
“Christ Jesus . . . is going to judge the living and the dead. . .”
Book page 34
SCRIPTURE 12
1 Corinthians 15:20-22; Acts 3:21 ↗
“. . . Christ has been raised from the dead . . . in Christ they all will be made alive.” “. . . everything will be restored. . .”
Book page 34
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture passages are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV), copyright 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission, as noted in the manuscript.
PERSONAL REFLECTION OR GROUP DISCUSSION
Reflect and pray
What does it mean that Jesus acted as our substitute?
How do sacrifice and victory help explain his saving work?
How does his resurrection strengthen your confidence that redemption is accomplished?
A prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for your obedience, sacrifice, and victory for us. Free us from fear and help us live in the hope of your resurrection. Amen.