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"The creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of CORRUPTION
into the glorious liberty of the children of God . . . . . the redemption of our body"
(Rom. 8: 21-23).
Christ Himself expresses this glorious truth in Rev. 1: 17, 18:--
"Fear not . . . . . I am He that liveth and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for
evermore, Amen; and have the keys of Hades and of death."
#5.
Redemption and its Implications.
pp. 161, 162
We have seen in the previous articles sufficient to warrant the following conclusions:-
1. REDEMPTION INVOLVES KINSHIP.--The Lord Jesus Christ, in order that He
may redeem, must be partaker of flesh and blood as we are. He must be not only Son of
David, Son of Abraham, Son of God, but He must be Son of MAN.
2. REDEMPTION IMPLIES THE RIGHT TO REDEEM.--Boaz possessed wealth,
kindness, desire, but these availed nothing until he also established the "right to redeem"
in the presence of the elders of the city.
3. REDEMPTION IMPLIES A FORFEITED INHERITANCE.--This item is so vital
and so important that we pass on, devoting a separate article to its bearing upon the
subject.
4. REDEMPTION ALSO IMPLIES BONDAGE.--This too demands a careful
separate study.
5. REDEMPTION INVOLVES UNION WITH THE REDEEMER.--Boaz not only
purchased the inheritance, but he married Ruth. This marriage was not a mere personal
fancy, it was the essential feature of the contract that prevented the nearer kinsman from
entering into his right to redeem.
The reader will call to mind many passages of Scripture which make union with Christ
a vital part of the great plan of redemption. This we must see more fully together.
Questions such as "Does man suffer the penalty of sin?" "Did Christ bear the
punishment of sin?" "To whom was the ransom paid?" can only be truthfully answered
by those who have a scriptural (as opposed to a theological) conception of redemption.
The subject is so personal, so vital, so fundamental, that freedom from error, and
clearness of understanding, seem to be essential to a right understanding of the Purpose
of the Ages.