Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Ransom" as applied to Christ is deeply rooted in the New Testament and reflects the sacrificial nature of His mission to redeem humanity from sin. The concept of ransom in biblical terms refers to the price paid to release someone from bondage or captivity. In the context of Christ, it signifies the price He paid through His death to liberate humanity from the bondage of sin and death.
The primary scriptural reference for Christ as a ransom is found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus Himself declares, "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (
Matthew 20:28). This statement underscores the voluntary and sacrificial nature of Christ's mission. He willingly offered Himself to fulfill the divine plan of salvation, serving as the substitute for sinners.
Similarly, the Apostle Paul emphasizes this theme in his first letter to Timothy: "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony given in its proper time" (
1 Timothy 2:5-6). Here, Paul highlights the universality of Christ's redemptive work, indicating that His sacrifice was sufficient for all humanity, bridging the gap between God and man.
The concept of ransom is also linked to the Old Testament sacrificial system, where offerings were made to atone for sin. However, these sacrifices were temporary and pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on this by contrasting the repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant with the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus: "He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (
Hebrews 9:26).
In the Gospel of Mark, the theme of ransom is reiterated, reinforcing the idea that Jesus' death was a deliberate act of love and obedience to the Father: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (
Mark 10:45). This passage, parallel to
Matthew 20:28, further cements the understanding of Christ's role as the one who pays the price for human freedom.
The notion of ransom also carries with it the idea of liberation and freedom. By paying the ransom, Christ has set believers free from the power of sin and the fear of death. This liberation is not only a future hope but a present reality for those who are in Christ, as they are no longer slaves to sin but have become children of God.
In summary, the title "Ransom" encapsulates the essence of Christ's redemptive work. It highlights His sacrificial death as the means by which humanity is delivered from sin and reconciled to God. Through His willing sacrifice, Jesus fulfills the role of the ultimate Redeemer, offering Himself as the price for our freedom and establishing a new covenant between God and mankind.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Timothy 2:6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Fourth Theological Oration, which is the Second Concerning the ...
... They are the titles of the Son. ... all and above all keep to this, and thou shalt never
err, either in the loftier or the lowlier names; Jesus Christ is the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxx the fourth theological.htm
The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... upon Christ, by offices, places of trust, and titles of honour ... rightfully there,
he will fetch them by ransom; but if ... And thus it is betwixt Jesus Christ and his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm
Christ a Complete Saviour:
... are his, and that by the best of titles: 'Thine they were ... go out about business in
their own names and strength ... that are justified by the blood of Christ such as ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm
A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... for whereas they erroneously call it Christ, the light of Christ, faith, grace ... as
I have said, you glorify your errors also, with names and titles that are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm
"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... Call God what you will, name all his names, styles, and titles, spell all ... Again,
is it written, that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin? ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxiii my little children.htm
Cli. Letter or Address of Theodoret to the Monks of the ...
... but she is honoured with the highest titles on account ... the great God and our Saviour
Jesus Christ." [2228] And yet in another place he uses both names at once ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cli letter or address of.htm
No Difference
... slips' and 'weaknesses,' and all the other names by which ... we are prisoners, whether
we have titles or not ... In the very hour of Christ's death, there stood, clear ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/no difference.htm
The Lord's Supper
... What names and titles in Scripture are given to the sacrament? ... Love is the spiced
wine and juice of the pomegranate which we must give to Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 5 the lords supper.htm
The
... far there has been an inscription of your names [398] , and ... a miserable man, thou
receivest one of God's titles. ... may you receive the name of Christ [446] , and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/the.htm
Leadership for Service
... called masters: for one is your master, even the Christ. ... tells the people to revolt
against the titles in which ... Now the names of the twelve apostles are these ...
/.../the social principles of jesus/chapter vii leadership for service.htm
Resources
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