Image of Salvation Essay

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Liberty University *

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202

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Religion

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Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by ProfessorEchidna6155

Image of Salvation Essay Liberty University Theo 202: Theology Survey December 3, 2023

Image of Salvation Throughout Christian communities and churches, the concept and teachings about salvation are often discussed. Salvation is a significant aspect that is rarely overlooked. However, often times, the importance of one of the most important gifts and privileges from God is not fully appreciated. This gift from God is redemption, which is received through repentance and acceptance of Him and His plan for us. Going back to the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden, which led to the introduction of sin into the world, God’s plan for the redemption of humanity was set into motion. The gracious gift God bestowed upon humanity involved sending his one and only Son as a sacrifice for all the sins of the world. Through this act, God provided a way for us to become free from sin and join Him by attaining eternal life in heaven. Defining Redemption In simple terms, redemption, as defined in dictionaries, is to buy back or regain something. In Scripture, though, redemption means saving humans from their sinful ways at a significant cost. This cost refers to the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, which was the price for our redemption as sinners. For instance, in Romans 6:23 (NIV), it is written, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This verse emphasizes the idea that sin comes with a cost, which is death. However, through Jesus, God offers us eternal life as a gift and as a means of redemption. It is interesting to note the parallel between the biblical definition of redemption and the more general definition found in dictionaries. Despite slight variations in wording, the definitions remain similar. The redemption that Jesus provides us is comparable to recovering or reclaiming something lost, similar to how dictionaries describe this term. From a theological standpoint, the doctrine of redemption traces its roots back to the

Old Testament, where payment was made for slaves and property. Then, transitioning into the New Testament, the meaning of redemption turns into a spiritual debt. Jesus has chosen to pay this debt for us, rather than a physical debt for us to pay. Relationship Between Sin and Redemption The connection between redemption and sin is evident throughout the Bible. God originally designed the world to be perfect and free from sin. Through the fall of Adam and Eve in Genesis, the problem of sin was introduced into the world, making redemption essential for all humans. While redemption does not erase the issue of sin, it gives us encouragement and the power to resist temptations and offers us a chance at eternal life and to be saved. Through redemption, we are released from the eternal penalty of our sins. It is important to acknowledge the role and impact Jesus plays in our redemption. Accepting Him as our Savior is our only way to be redeemed from our sins and have eternal life. Ephesians 1:7 (NIV) highlights this, stating, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Throughout Scripture, we find a clear relationship between sin, the sinner, and the process of redemption, especially in stories regarding the death of Jesus. This verse in Ephesians emphasizes the idea that redemption comes only through the sacrifice of Jesus, which ultimately leads to the forgiveness of our sins by the grace of God. This verse also affirms the importance of recognizing the role Jesus plays in our journey toward redemption. Applying Redemption Redemption is something that is crucial for forgiveness of our sins, which makes salvation possible for Christians. It also plays an important role in not only our salvation but also in our lives. The concept of redemption can be a powerful motivator for Christian living. We should be inspired to glorify Jesus every day by recognizing the major sacrifice he made for

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