Redemption and Deliverance
God’s action in saving His people from sin and its power
1. The Biblical Definition
Redemption – Bought Back at a Price
In Scripture, redemption is not a vague religious word; it is a legal and covenant term.
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Hebrew (OT):
- גָּאַל (ga’al) – to act as a kinsman-redeemer, to reclaim, rescue, or buy back what was lost (Ruth 4:4–6; Isa 43:1).
- פָּדָה (padah) – to ransom, to free by paying a price (Exod 13:13; Deut 7:8).
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Greek (NT):
- ἀγοράζω (agorazō) – to buy in the marketplace (1 Cor 6:20; Rev 5:9).
- λυτρόω (lytroō) – to release by paying a ransom (Titus 2:14; 1 Pet 1:18–19).
- ἀπολύτρωσις (apolutrōsis) – full redemption, release, liberation by payment of a ransom (Rom 3:24; Eph 1:7).
Biblically, redemption means:
God Himself pays the price to reclaim His people from bondage—whether slavery, sin, death, or the curse—and restores them to covenant relationship and purpose.
Deliverance – Rescued from Bondage and Danger
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Hebrew:
- יָשַׁע (yasha) – to save, deliver, give victory (root of “Yeshua,” Jesus’ name).
- נָצַל (natsal) – to snatch away, rescue (Ps 34:17).
- פָּלַט (palat) – to cause to escape (Ps 18:2).
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Greek:
- ῥύομαι (ruomai) – to draw, rescue from danger (Col 1:13; 2 Tim 4:18).
- σῴζω (sōzō) – to save, heal, deliver, make whole (Rom 10:9; Mark 5:23).
In Scripture, deliverance is: