Peter reminds believers that they “were not redeemed with perishable things, like silver and gold…but with the precious blood of Christ...” (1 Pet 1:18,19). The work of God is, “The historical unfolding of the redeeming purpose.”[1] Redemption through Christ’s blood is more than a theological word; it “stands as the central pillar in the structure of God’s redemptive temple…it is the load bearing support.”[2]
The redeeming work of God through Christ, grounded in the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:1-3) was based in history. Thus, this redemptive covenant continued through the history of Israel and involved captivity, redemption, exodus, entry into, occupation, rule, loss and regaining of the Promised Land.[3] Then in the course of time Jesus Christ, born as the redemption price, fulfilled the covenant accomplishing the work of God.[4]
The application of this finished work of Christ to your life is “a series of acts and processes.”[5] Some of these are your calling, regeneration, justification, adoption, sanctification and glorification. Christ is the fulfillment of God’s historical unfolding plan of redemption. This redemptive work of God through Christ transforms the lives it touches. Consequently, God’s work completed in the sacrificial death of Christ, affects you today.
[1] Scroggie, W. Graham. The Unfolding Drama of Redemption: The Bible as a Whole. (Three Volumes in One). (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1970), 1:33.
[2] Pecota, Daniel B. “The Saving Work of Christ,” In Systematic Theology. (Stanley M. Horton ed.). (Springfield, MO: Logion Press, 1998), 325.
[3] Goldsworthy, Graeme. According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible. (Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 1991), 245.
[4] Murray, John. Redemption: Accomplished and Applied. (Pennsylvania: The Banner of Truth, 1979), 9,79.
[5] Murray, Redemption, 80.
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