Justification vs. Redemption

Attribute	Justification	Redemption
Definition	The act of being declared or made righteous before God.	The action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.
Means	Through faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice.	Through the blood of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross.
Outcome	Being declared righteous and forgiven of sins.	Being saved and reconciled to God.
Effect	Justification brings about a legal standing of righteousness before God.	Redemption brings about a spiritual deliverance from sin and its consequences.

Justification and redemption are two important concepts in Christian theology that are often discussed in relation to salvation. While they are closely related, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the differences between justification and redemption and how they contribute to the overall understanding of salvation.

Definition of Justification

Justification is the act of being declared righteous or acquitted of sin by God. It is a legal term that signifies a change in status from guilty to innocent. In Christian theology, justification is seen as a result of faith in Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice on the cross. Through justification, believers are reconciled to God and granted the righteousness of Christ.

Attributes of Justification

One of the key attributes of justification is that it is a one-time event that occurs at the moment of faith. This means that once a person is justified, they are forever declared righteous in the eyes of God. Justification is also a free gift from God that cannot be earned through good works or personal merit. It is solely based on the grace of God and the finished work of Christ on the cross.

Another attribute of justification is that it is a legal declaration rather than a process of moral improvement. While sanctification, the process of becoming more like Christ, is a separate aspect of the Christian life, justification is a forensic act that takes place outside of the believer. It is a positional reality that is imputed to the believer by faith.

Definition of Redemption

Redemption, on the other hand, is the act of being bought back or rescued from slavery or bondage. In Christian theology, redemption is often associated with the payment of a ransom price for the release of a captive. Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate redeemer who paid the price for the sins of humanity through his death on the cross.

Attributes of Redemption

One of the key attributes of redemption is that it involves a transaction or exchange. In the case of salvation, Jesus Christ paid the ransom price for our sins with his own blood. This act of redemption is seen as a substitutionary sacrifice in which Christ took our place and bore the penalty for our sins. Through his redemptive work, believers are set free from the power of sin and death.

Another attribute of redemption is that it is a ongoing process that extends throughout the believer's life. While justification is a one-time event, redemption is a continual work of God in the life of the believer. It involves the process of sanctification, in which the believer is gradually conformed to the image of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Comparison of Justification and Redemption

While justification and redemption are distinct concepts, they are closely related in the overall scheme of salvation. Justification deals with the legal aspect of salvation, declaring believers righteous in the eyes of God. Redemption, on the other hand, deals with the relational aspect of salvation, setting believers free from the power of sin and death.

Both justification and redemption are essential components of the Christian faith, working together to bring about the complete salvation of believers. Justification provides the legal basis for our relationship with God, while redemption provides the practical means by which we are set free from the bondage of sin. Together, they demonstrate the fullness of God's love and grace towards humanity.

In conclusion, justification and redemption are two important aspects of salvation that work together to bring about the reconciliation of believers to God. While they have distinct attributes, they both point to the central truth of the Christian faith: that salvation is a free gift from God that is made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By understanding the differences between justification and redemption, believers can gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of God's plan for their salvation.