The Atonement

CHAPTER XI. REDEMPTION

However closely salvation and redemption may be related in the gospel plan, there is a difference between the two. Salvation is a saving or keeping from, and redemption is bringing back from. The great salvation through Christ is from death—the second death. The great redemption is from mortality and death—the first death. The Lord promised to redeem his people from death and the grave. Hosea 13:14. But that will not apply, strictly speaking, to Enoch and Elijah, as they were saved from death; from going into the grave. But their redemption from mortality—from that condition which brings mankind to the grave—was the same as that of others. It is true that both these words have a different application from that here noted; as, we are saved from sin, and redeemed from our vain conversation. But such application does not disprove the statement made in regard to the difference of the terms, and of their general application. AERS 274.1

The apostle Paul says that we, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, are groaning for redemption. Romans 8:23. And Jesus instructs us, when we see the signs of his coming, to look up, and lift up our heads; for our redemption draws nigh. Luke 21:28. By this we see that the work of redeeming love is not yet done for the saints of God. The grave yet holds in its cold embrace myriads of faithful ones, who died in hope. They rested in the promise of God through Christ, and could say with Job, “I know that my Redeemer liveth;” and with him they looked forward to the “better resurrection.” Of the ancient worthies, now sleeping, Paul said: “These all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise; God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:35, 39, 40. They are resting and waiting for the redemption for which we are waiting and groaning. AERS 274.2

And the same apostle informs us that “the first-fruits of the Spirit” which we have received, is also an assurance, “the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession.” Ephesians 1:14. When man fell,—when sentence was pronounced upon him, his possession shared with him the curse. At the first he was given dominion over the earth; but the Lord said: “Cursed is the ground for thy sake.” And when the seed of the woman undertook to bruise the serpent’s head, he not only purchased man with his blood, but he purchased his possession also, and with him it remains to be redeemed. Satan may mar the work of God, but he cannot thwart his purpose. God’s work will finally be perfected, and the work of the devil will be destroyed. 1 John 3:8. Thus the future work of redemption has two great objects to accomplish. And, as before said, they who say the work of redemption is finished; who deny the great work yet to be accomplished, rob the Redeemer of the glory of his work. It remains for us to examine that work in respect to both these objects. And, AERS 275.1