Why do we need a Redeemer?

The concept of needing a Redeemer is deeply embedded in Christian theology, and it is pivotal to understanding the narrative of salvation as presented in the Bible. The necessity for a Redeemer arises from several key biblical themes: the nature of God, the fall of man, the reality of sin, the demands of divine justice, and the outworking of divine love and mercy. In this short study, we will explore these themes, supported by references from the Bible.

The Nature of God

The nature of God as holy, just, and loving provides the foundational reason for why humanity needs a Redeemer. God’s holiness and justice demand that sin be dealt with appropriately, while His love and mercy provide the means for redemption.

• Holiness: God is perfectly holy and cannot tolerate sin in His presence. “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11, NKJV). This holiness sets a standard that fallen humanity cannot meet on its own.
• Justice: God’s justice requires that sin be punished. “For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright” (Psalm 11:7, NKJV). The righteousness of God means that He cannot overlook sin; it must be addressed and judged.
• Love and Mercy: Despite His justice, God is also infinitely loving and merciful. “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth” (Psalm 86:15, NKJV). This love motivates God to provide a means for humanity’s redemption.

The Fall of Man

The necessity for a Redeemer becomes evident with the fall of man as described in Genesis. Adam and Eve’s disobedience introduced sin into the world, corrupting human nature and separating humanity from God.

• The Fall: “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate” (Genesis 3:6, NKJV). This act of disobedience brought sin into the human condition.
• Consequences of the Fall: “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12, NKJV). The fall resulted in both physical and spiritual death, alienating humanity from God.

The Reality of Sin

Sin is not merely an abstract concept but a pervasive reality that affects all of humanity. It is described in the Bible as a condition that results in guilt and separation from God.

• Universality of Sin: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, NKJV). Every human being is affected by sin and fails to meet God’s perfect standards.
• Nature of Sin: Sin is described as lawlessness and rebellion against God. “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4, NKJV). It is a fundamental breach of God’s law.
• Consequences of Sin: The ultimate consequence of sin is death. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, NKJV). This death is not only physical but also spiritual, entailing eternal separation from God.

The Demands of Divine Justice

God’s justice demands that sin be punished. However, the punishment for sin is beyond what humanity can bear, thus necessitating a Redeemer who can bear this punishment on our behalf.

• God’s Justice: “The Lord is known by the judgment He executes; the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands” (Psalm 9:16, NKJV). God’s justice is inherent in His character, and He must judge sin.
• Inadequacy of Human Efforts: Human efforts and works are insufficient to atone for sin. “Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20, NKJV). The law reveals sin but does not provide a means of justification.

The Provision of a Redeemer

In response to the fallen state of humanity and the demands of divine justice, God provided a Redeemer in the person of Jesus Christ. This provision is an act of divine love and grace.

• Promise of a Redeemer: The promise of a Redeemer is given immediately after the fall. “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel” (Genesis 3:15, NKJV). This is often referred to as the protoevangelium, the first gospel.
• Fulfillment in Christ: Jesus Christ fulfills this promise. “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5, NKJV). Christ’s coming is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

The Work of the Redeemer

The work of the Redeemer involves His life, death, and resurrection, through which He accomplishes the redemption of humanity.

• Incarnation: Jesus, the Son of God, took on human flesh. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, NKJV). The incarnation is essential for the Redeemer to fully represent humanity.
• Atoning Death: Jesus’ death on the cross is the means by which He atones for the sins of humanity. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7, NKJV). His blood is the price of our redemption.
• Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus confirms His victory over sin and death. “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20, NKJV). The resurrection assures believers of eternal life.

The Benefits of Redemption

The redemption accomplished by Christ brings numerous benefits to believers, restoring their relationship with God and providing eternal hope.

• Justification: Believers are declared righteous before God. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, NKJV). Justification restores peace with God.
• Adoption: Believers are adopted into God’s family. “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1, NKJV). This adoption grants believers the status of children of God.
• Sanctification: Believers are progressively made holy. “For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3, NKJV). Sanctification is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life.
• Eternal Life: Believers are given the hope of eternal life. “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11, NKJV). Eternal life is the ultimate gift of redemption.

8. The Response to the Redeemer

The provision of a Redeemer necessitates a response from humanity. This response is one of faith and repentance.

• Faith: Salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8, NKJV). Faith is the means by which we receive the benefits of redemption.
• Repentance: True faith is accompanied by repentance. “Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19, NKJV). Repentance involves turning away from sin and turning towards God.
• Obedience: Genuine faith results in obedience to God’s commands. “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15, NKJV). Obedience is the evidence of a transformed life.

Conclusion

The need for a Redeemer is rooted in the character of God, the fall of humanity, the pervasive nature of sin, and the demands of divine justice. God’s provision of a Redeemer in Jesus Christ is a profound act of love and grace, addressing the deepest needs of humanity and offering redemption and reconciliation with God. This redemption brings numerous blessings, including justification, adoption, sanctification, and the hope of eternal life. The appropriate response to this divine provision is one of faith, repentance, and obedience, leading to a restored relationship with God and a transformed life.

By understanding the biblical basis for the need for a Redeemer, believers can appreciate more fully the magnitude of God’s grace and the depth of Christ’s sacrifice, fostering a deeper love and commitment to the Savior.