“REDEMPTION THROUGH HIS BLOOD”

Colossians 1:14

The very heart of the gospel is redemption through the blood of Christ. Pervert the doctrine of redemption, and you have perverted the whole gospel. Destroy redemption, and you have destroyed the very purpose of God. This is vital. Let there be no confusion or compromise here.

Christ’s Work

Redemption is the work of Christ alone. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing can be taken from it by man. God did it! “Christ hath redeemed us.” Redemption does not wait upon the will of man. It is done. To make redemption dependent upon man in any way is to totally deny the gospel of Christ.

Effectual

Redemption is effectual. Christ did not make an effort to redeem. He effectually accomplished the redemption of his people by the shedding of his own precious blood. “With his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Redemption is “the forgiveness of sins” (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14). To be redeemed is to be forgiven, perfectly, perpetually, permanently forgiven of all sin. To say that, “There is a sense in which Christ redeemed the whole world,” (as many do), is to say that there is a sense in which the whole world is forgiven. Nonsense!

Particular

Redemption has been accomplished for a particular people (Isa. 53:8; John 10:11). Yes, the Bible teaches limited atonement. It’s value, merit, and efficacy certainly are not limited. The blood of Christ is infinite in value and efficacy. But the atonement is limited in its objects. Christ made atonement only for God’s elect. Esau was not redeemed. The Lord hated Esau (Rom. 9:13). Judas was not redeemed by the blood of Christ. He prayed for Judas’ destruction (Acts 1:20; Psa. 69:25). The Son of God did not die for those who believe not, who perish in unbelief. He even refused to pray for them (John 17:9, 20). Everywhere in the Bible where redemption is taught and the atonement is typified, prophesied, or explained, it is clearly set forth as that which was performed by Christ for a particular people, his elect only. It is nowhere suggested or implied that Christ died for the redemption of all men. Nowhere!

The Result

Faith in Christ is the fruit, result and evidence of redemption (Heb. 11:1). Faith was purchased for God’s elect by the blood of Christ. It is given by the Spirit in regeneration. And believing on Christ, my faith in him is evidence to me that he chose, redeemed, and called me.

Grace Baptist Church of Danville - Grace For Today Radio Message #817

2734 Old Stanford Road - Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438

Donald S. Fortner, Pastor -Telephone 606-236-8235 - Email grace@mis.net