What Does Redemption Mean?

A look at the Christian concept of redemption

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Imagine this scenario. It is the day of judgement. A judge looked down from a high bench. People who had died stood in a lineup with a file folder in their hands. Each folder contained information about their words and actions, with a white paper indicating good actions and a red paper indicating bad actions. Some files were huge while others were slim.

Most people had a mix of both red and white in their files. Individuals with mostly red sheets were sent away, often blubbering excuses and claiming absurd actions as being good.

Then a man showed up, looking humble. Then another man stood in front of him and put his file on top of the bench, replacing the man’s file with His. The name on the file was Jesus.

Versions of this story have appeared on social media. To me, the imagery illustrates the concept of redemption, though I doubt we will be carrying files on Judgment Day.

On the day of judgment, several books are brought out that recorded what each individual had done in their lifetime. The books were used to judge people and decide their fate (Revelation 20:11–15).

As sinners, we deserve to face the penalty for our wrongdoings. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). God, in His infinite mercy, sent His Son to pay the penalty instead of us.

How we can become redeemed

Redemption is a gift from God out of His mercy and grace. All people have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. However, they are justified by God’s grace through the redemption that came through Christ (Romans 3:23–25). We cannot earn redemption through our good words.

Before we can be redeemed, we must recognize and admit that we have sinned. When we repent of those sins, God is faithful and just, forgiving our sins and purifying us from all unrighteousness (Galatians 3:12–14, 4:4–6, Titus 2:13–15, 1 John 1:9). In turn, we love God, forgive and love others, and commit to living a godly life.

Our relationship with God is restored. We can release our anger, hurt, and shame. If our sin has consequences, God will give us the strength to work through it.

No matter how thick our file is with red paper, Jesus will intervene, showing His redeeming love and sacrifice if we ask Him to.