John Murray's analysis of the nature of the atonement

John Murray's analysis of the nature of the atonement, outlined:

Part 1, Obedience

Part 2, Sacrifice & Expiation

Part 3, Propitiation

Part 4, Reconciliation

Part 5, Redemption

In this series we will see how John Murray, from the penal substitutionary perspective, analyzes the atonement in terms of man's relationship to God and his problem with sin. Specifically, Murray deals with the following, providing abundant Scriptural support:

1. Christ's obedience, by which we were constituted righteous before God and freed from condemnation;
   
2. Christ's sacrifice and expiation, which removed from us the liability of guilt due to sin;
   
3. Christ's propitiation, which dealt with the Father's wrath that abides on sinners;
   
4. Christ's reconciliation, which removed, first and foremost, God's alienation from us and then, secondarily, our alienation from Him, restoring us to peace with God;
   
5. Christ's work of redemption, purchasing us from bondage as slaves and criminals under sin.

Outline of John Murray's analysis of the nature of the atonement, pt. 5/5 (Redemption)

Continued from part 4 ...

(Links to all five posts in this series)

• Redemption
• Revelation 5:9 [1] is a most characteristic praise song of the saints
• “Redemption has in view the bondage to which sin has consigned us, and it views the work of Christ not simply as deliverance from bondage but in terms of ransom”
• Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45 [2]
• “The work Jesus came to do was one of ransom”
• “The giving of His life was the ransom price”
• “This ransom price was substitutionary in character and design”
• Cf. Luke 1:68, 2:38, 24:21; Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; I Timothy 2:6; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 9:12, 15; I Peter 1:18 [3]
• I Corinthians 6:20, 7:23; Galatians 3:13, 4:5; II Peter 2:1; and Revelation 5:9, 14:3-4, [4] also convey the thought of purchase
• Ephesians 1:7 and Colossians 1:14 [5] tell us that we have redemption through His blood
• I Peter 1:18-19 [6] affirms that we were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, not with corruptible things
• Hebrews 9:12 [7] says that Christ obtained eternal redemption once for all through His blood
• Hebrews 9:15 [8] also affirms that He redeemed transgressions under the first covenant
• Again, Revelation 5:9 [9] says that we were purchased by Christ’s blood
• We are bought with a price, per I Corinthians 6:20 and 7:23, [10] which was the priceless blood of Christ
• Galatians 3:13 [11] says that Christ became a curse for us and redeemed us from the curse of the Law
• Christ redeemed us from bondage in several senses:
• Sin
• Matthew 1:21 [12] tells us that Jesus’ very name means that He would save His people from their sins
• “All of the categories in which the atonement is defined sustain a direct relation to sin and its liabilities. And, apart from express statements to this effect, we should have to understand that, if redemption contemplates our bondage and secures release by ransom, the bondage must have in view that arising from sin.”
• Titus 2:14 [13] tells us that Christ would redeem us from iniquity
• Ephesians 1:7 and Colossians 1:14 [14] point to redemption defined as forgiveness of sins
• Hebrews 9:15 [15] says that Christ redeemed His people from transgressions under the first covenant
• Sin is assumed as the liability from which redemption is necessary to relieve us in passages such as Romans 3:24, I Timothy 2:6, and Hebrews 9:12 [16]
• Psalm 130:7-8 [17] states that God is plenteous in redemption and will redeem His people from iniquity
• “The bondage which sin entails for us is threefold, guilt, defilement, and power. All three aspects come within the scope of the redemption wrought by Christ.”
• “In Romans 3:24, by reason of the context, it is no doubt provision of sin as guilt that is in view. The same is true of Ephesians 1:7. In Titus 2:14 it is probably sin as guilt and defilement that is contemplated.” [18]
• Luke 1:68-71 and Luke 2:38 [19] reflect the hope of redemption early in the New Testament
• “Though redemption applied to Abraham (Isaiah 29:22) and though Jacob likewise could use the language of redemption (Genesis 48:16), yet it is the exodus from Egypt that constitutes par excellence the Old Testament redemption.” [20]
• Exodus 6:6, 15:13; Deuteronomy 7:8, 9:26, 13:5, 21:8, 24:18; I Chronicles 17:21; Psalm 77:15, 106:10; Isaiah 43:1, 63:9; and Micah 6:4; [21] set forth redemption from Egypt
• God’s most prominent name of consolation throughout the Old Testament is Redeemer, as in Psalm 19:14; Isaiah 41:14, 43:14, 47:4, 63:16; and Jeremiah 50:34 [22]
• The Redeemer was to come out of Zion, per Isaiah 59:20 [23]
• Luke 1:68 and 2:38 [24] expresses this faith in the New Testament, for which the Old Testament serves as backdrop
• John 12:31, Hebrews 2:14, and I John 3:8 [25] set forth Christ’s victory over Satan, and Colossians 2:15 and Ephesians 6:12 [26] show Christ’s conquering of principalities
• The first promise was in terms of the destruction of the serpent (Genesis 3:15 [27]), and the consummation is casting him into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10 [28])
• To the language of release, as in Hebrews 2:15 [29], we apply redemptive import
• “The redemption from Egypt is the type of Christ's redemptive work. The former was an act of judgment against all the gods of Egypt (Exodus 12:12), the latter an act of judgment upon Satan (John 12:31).” [30]
• “Furthermore, we cannot dissociate the deception of Satan as the god of this world who blinds the minds of them that believe not (II Corinthians 4:4) from the vain manner of life from which the precious blood of Christ redeems (I Peter 1:18). At the center of Christ's redemptive accomplishment, therefore, is emancipation from the thraldom of Satan's deception and power.” [31]
• Romans 6:1-10 [cf. vs. 11,14], 7:1-6; II Corinthians 5:14, 15; Ephesians 2:1-7; Colossians 2:20, 3:3; and I Peter 4:1-2 [32], represent those for whom Christ died as having died in and with Him
• Christ died for sin once and for all, and those in Him died to sin and to its power
• The curse of the law
• “The curse of the law does not mean that the law is a curse. The law is holy and just and good (Rom. 7:13), but, because so, it exacts penalty for every infraction of its demands. The curse of the law is the curse it pronounces upon transgressors (Gal. 3:10). The law's penal sanction is as inviolable as its demands. To this sanction as it bears upon us redemption is directed. ‘Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us’ (Gal. 3:13). Nowhere in Scripture is the price of redemption more forcefully portrayed than in this text. It reminds us that the cost was not merely the death of Christ and the shedding of His blood but these in the circumstance of Golgotha's shame — He was ‘made a curse for us.’ We cannot measure the intensity of the reproach nor fathom the humiliation. To be unmoved before the spectacle is to be insensitive to the sanctions of holiness, the marvels of love, and the wonder of angels.” [33]
• Romans 7:4-6 and Galatians 2:19 [34] represent us as having died to the Law because we are ransomed from the curse of the Law
• “We are released from the bondage of condemnation and are free to be justified apart from the law. The relation between redemption from sin in its guilt, defilement, and power and redemption from the curse of the law is intimate. For the strength of sin is the law (I Cor. 15:56).” [35]
• Galatians 4:5, following 3:23-4:3, [36] has in view specifically redemption from the ceremonial law
• “By the faith of Jesus all without distinction enter into the full privilege of sons without the necessity of the disciplinary tutelage ministered by the Mosaic rites and ceremonies. This is the apex of privilege and blessing secured by Christ's redemption — we receive the adoption.”
• Luke 21:28; Romans 8:23; I Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 1:14, and 4:30, [37] represent redemption as the “consummation of bliss realized at the advent of Christ in glory”

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[1]Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

[2] Matthew 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

[3] Luke 1:68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Luke 24:21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

I Timothy 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

I Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

[4] I Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

I Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

II Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Revelation 14:3-4 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. [4] These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

[5] Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

[6] I Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

[7] Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

[8] Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

[9] Revelation 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

[10] I Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

I Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

[11] Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

[12] Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

[13] Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

[14] Ephesians 1:7 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

[15] Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

[16] Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

I Timothy 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

[17] Psalm 130:7, 8 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. [8] And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

[18] Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

[19] Luke 1:68-71 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, [69] And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; [70] As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: [71] That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us;

Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

[20] Isaiah 29:22 Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.

Genesis 48:16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.

[21] Exodus 6:6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

Exodus 15:13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.

Deuteronomy 7:8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 9:26 I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

Deuteronomy 13:5 Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.

Deuteronomy 21:8 Be merciful, O LORD, unto thy people Israel, whom thou hast redeemed, and lay not innocent blood unto thy people of Israel's charge. And the blood shall be forgiven them.

Deuteronomy 24:18 But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

I Chronicles 17:21 And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people, to make thee a name of greatness and terribleness, by driving out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out of Egypt?

Psalm 77:15 Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.

Psalm 106:10 And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.

Isaiah 43:1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

Isaiah 63:9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

Micah 6:4 For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.

[22] Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Isaiah 41:14 Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 43:14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.

Isaiah 47:4 As for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 63:16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.

Jeremiah 50:34 Their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of hosts is his name: he shall throughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

[23] Isaiah 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.

[24] Luke 1:68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

Luke 2:38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

[25] John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

I John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

[26] Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

[27] Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

[28] Revelation 20:10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

[29] Hebrews 2:15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

[30] Exodus 12:12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.

John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

[31] II Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

I Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

[32] Romans 6:1-10 [cf. vs. 11,14] What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? [2] God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? [3] Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? [4] Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. [5] For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: [6] Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. [7] For he that is dead is freed from sin. [8] Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: [9] Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. [10] For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. [11] Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. [12] Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. [13] Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. [14] For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 7:1-6 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? [2] For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. [3] So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. [4] Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. [5] For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. [6] But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

II Corinthians 5:14, 15 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: [15] And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

Ephesians 2:1-7 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; [2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: [3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. [4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) [6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: [7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Colossians 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

I Peter 4:1-2 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; [2] That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

[33] Romans 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

[34] Romans 7:4-6 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. [5] For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. [6] But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

Galatians 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

[35] I Corinthians 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

[36] Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Galatians 3:23-4:3 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. [24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. [25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. [26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. [27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. [4:1] Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; [2] But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. [3] Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

[37] Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

I Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

[See John Murray's article]

Outline of John Murray's analysis of the nature of the atonement, pt. 4/5 (Reconciliation)

Continued from part 3 ...

(Links to all five posts in this series)

• Reconciliation
• “… reconciliation is concerned with our alienation from God and the need of having that alienation removed”
• Romans 5:10 [1] says we are reconciled to God
• God reconciles us to Himself, per II Corinthians 5:18-19, Ephesians 2:16, and Colossians 1:2-22 [2]
• Matthew 5:23-24 [3] provides an example that we are to take care of the alienation in the mind and attitude of another (the “against” is that of the other)
• In the same way, reconciliation with God involves removing His alienation toward us when we are said to be reconciled to God
• Romans 11:15 [4] provides the contrast between “casting away” and “reconciliation,” demonstrating a relation between Israel and God’s favor and blessing; in the same way, our being reconciled to God is the “change in the disposition of God and the change in the resulting relationship of God to the Gentiles”
• Isaiah 59:2 [5] shows us that sin separates us from fellowship and favor with God, bringing not only wrath but also alienation
• Romans 5:8-11 and II Corinthians 5:18-21 [6] demonstrate that reconciliation is not a mere subjective, inward change in the disposition (loving, penitent, etc.) of man toward God
• Romans 5:8 [7] highlights the greatness of God’s love in that 1) He died for us, and 2) He died for us while we were still sinners
• This reconciliation, per Romans 5:10, [8] occurred while we were sinners
• “The whole point of verse 8 is that what God did in the death of Christ took place when we were still sinners and did not consist in nor was it premised upon any change in us. To introduce the thought of change in us is to contradict the pivot of the declaration.”
• As with “justified,” so “reconciled” does not have reference to an inward and subjective work within man, but an objective change in status before God
• II Corinthians 5:19 [9] sets forth the non-imputation of trespasses either as explanatory or consequential to God’s reconciliation, demonstrating that neither of these signify an inward and subjective change
• Romans 5:10 and II Corinthians 5:18-19 [10] show that the reconciliation was once-for-all, quite contrary to a subjective and progressive change within man
• II Corinthians 5:21 [11] clearly refers to Christ’s objective work of sin-bearing, not to a subjective change within us
• Romans 5:10 [12] reflects upon God’s alienation from us, in terms of the relations expressed in Romans 11:28; [13] they are “enemies” or “beloved” from God’s perspective
• Romans 5:11 [14] represents reconciliation as a gift of status change from God, of which we are recipients
• II Corinthians 5:19 [15] shows that the Gospel is a “proclamation of his reconciling action and cannot be construed as a change in our hearts”
• II Corinthians 5:20 [16] is to be understood as an appeal to take advantage of the reconciliation and what it has accomplished
• “The sum of the doctrine is, therefore, that reconciliation as action refers to what God has done in Christ to provide for the alienation from God which is the necessary consequence of our sin, and reconciliation as a result is the restoration to the favor and fellowship of God. It is the disruption caused by sin that made the reconciliation necessary, it is this disruption that the reconciliation healed, and it is fellowship with God that the reconciliation secured. At no point do the provisions of the atonement register its grace and glory more than at the point where our separation from God is the exigency contemplated and communion with God the secured result.”

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[1] Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

[2] II Corinthians 5:18-19 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Colossians 1:2-22 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [3] We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, [4] Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, [5] For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; [6] Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: [7] As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; [8] Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. [9] For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; [10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; [11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; [12] Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: [13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: [14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: [15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: [16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; [20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. [21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled [22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

[3] Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; [24] Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

[4] Romans 11:15 For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

[5] Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

[6] Romans 5:8-11 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. [10] For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. [11] And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

II Corinthians 5:18-21 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. [20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. [21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

[7] Romans 5:8 [see fn. 6]

[8] Romans 5:10 [see fn. 6]

[9] II Corinthians 5:19 [see fn. 6]

[10] Romans 5:10 and II Corinthians 5:18-19 [see fn. 6]

[11] II Corinthians 5:21 [see fn. 6]

[12] Romans 5:10 [see fn. 6]

[13] Romans 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.

[14] Romans 5:11 [see fn. 6]

[15] II Corinthians 5:19 [see fn. 6]

[16] II Corinthians 5:20 [see fn. 6]

[See John Murray's article and Part 5 of the outline]

Outline of John Murray's analysis of the nature of the atonement, pt. 3/5 (Propitiation)

Continued from part 2 ...

(Links to all five posts in this series)

• Propitiation
• Romans 3:25, Hebrews 2:17, I John 2:2, and 4:10, [1] clearly apply “propitiation” to the work of Christ
• Propitiation presupposes that the person propitiated is angry, and it means “to pacify, to conciliate, to make propitious”
• Some say that God would not be angry or be propitiated
• With God, as with humans, “the unique object of love may at the same time be the unique object of holy wrath and displeasure,” as sin must evoke His wrath in terms of His holiness
• Ephesians 2:3 [2] says that those whom God loves were children of wrath
• “The doctrine of the propitiation is precisely this that God loved the objects of His wrath so much that He gave His own Son to the end that He by His blood should make provision for the removal of this wrath.”
• Isaiah 53:5 [3] shows that Christ bore our sins and the punishment of judgment, and Romans 5:12 and 6:23 [4] show that death is the penalty for sin
• Christ endured the epitome of God’s judgment against sin, His wrath
• God’s love for Christ and His wrath poured out on Him in judgment for the sins He bore, are perfectly compatible, in terms of John 10:17 [5]
• Love and wrath are not contradictory; rather, love and hate are
• God the Father forsook Christ, showing that Christ bore the “full stroke of judicial wrath” (see Psalm 22:1, Matthew 27:46, and Mark 15:34 [6])
• I John 4:10 [7] highlights the propitiation as the essence of God’s love at Calvary, as Christ propitiated God’s wrath against sin

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[1] Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Hebrews 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

I John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

I John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

[2] Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

[3] Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

[4] Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

[5] John 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.

[6] Psalm 22:1 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

[7] I John 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

[See John Murray's article and Part 4 of the outline]

Outline of John Murray's analysis of the nature of the atonement, pt. 2/5 (Sacrifice & Expiation)

Continued from part 1 ...

(Links to all five posts in this series)

• Four more specific categories, in addition to obedience:
• Sacrifice and expiation
• “… Christ's giving of Himself is to be construed in terms of sacrificial offering (I Corinthians 5:7; Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 7:27, 8:3, 9:14, 23, 25, 26, 28; 10:10, 12, 14, 26)” [1]
• Hebrews 13:1-l3 [2] and other passages can only be interpreted in terms of the altar of sacrifice
• Hebrews 9:6-15, 23, 24; l3:1-13 [3] and other passages, have a view toward Older Testament expiatory sacrifices, especially sin offerings
• Expiation is removal of liability due to sin
• Sacrifice is the provision for the removal, encompassing “substitutive endurance of penalty and transference of liability from the offerer to the sacrifice”
• Isaiah 53:10 [4] applies the trespass offering expressly to the self-sacrifice of the Servant
• Hebrews 9:23-24 [5] shows that the Older Testament sacrifices were patterns and figures, of which “Christ’s offering is the heavenly exemplar”
• Per Hebrews 9:9-14, 24-28, 10:14, [6] these patterns and figures had shortcomings, but Christ’s one offering was sufficient to forever perfect those who are sanctified
• Christ’s High Priestly office as Redeemer is thrust into the forefront when we consider His sacrifice
• Christ was a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, per Hebrews 5:10 [7]
• Christ was both Priest and offering, per Hebrews 7:27; 8:3; 9:14, 25; 10:[11-12] [8]

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[1] I Corinthians 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Hebrews 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Hebrews 8:3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.

Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

Hebrews 9:25-26 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; [26] For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Hebrews 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

[2] Hebrews 13:1-13 Let brotherly love continue. [2] Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. [3] Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. [4] Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. [5] Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. [6] So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. [7] Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. [8] Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. [9] Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. [10] We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. [11] For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. [12] Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. [13] Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

[3] Hebrews 9:6-15 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. [7] But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: [8] The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: [9] Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; [10] Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. [11] But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; [12] Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. [13] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: [14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? [15] And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 9:23-24 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. [24] For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Hebrews l3:1-13 (see fn. 2 above)

[4] Isaiah 53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

[5] Hebrews 9:23-24 (see fn. 3 above)

[6] Hebrews 9:9-14 (see fn. 3 above)

Hebrews 9:24-28 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: [25] Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; [26] For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. [27] And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: [28] So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

[7] Hebrews 5:10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

[8] Hebrews 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Hebrews 8:3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.

Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 9:25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

Hebrews 10:[11-12] And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: [12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

[See John Murray's article and Part 3 of the outline]