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◄ Redemption: Corruptible Things Cannot Purchase►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian doctrine of redemption, the concept that corruptible things cannot purchase salvation is a fundamental tenet. This belief is rooted in the understanding that human efforts and material wealth are insufficient to secure eternal life or forgiveness of sins. The Bible emphasizes that redemption is a divine act, accomplished through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and cannot be attained through earthly means.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Peter addresses this concept directly in his first epistle. In1 Peter 1:18-19 , he writes, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot." This passage underscores the inadequacy of material wealth in achieving redemption, contrasting it with the invaluable sacrifice of Christ.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The Old Testament provides a foreshadowing of this principle through the sacrificial system. While the Israelites offered sacrifices of animals and other goods, these were temporary measures pointing to the ultimate sacrifice.Psalm 49:7-8 states, "No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God. For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice." This highlights the insufficiency of human offerings to achieve true redemption.

The Role of Jesus Christ

The New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the redemptive promise. His death and resurrection are the means by which humanity is redeemed.Ephesians 1:7 declares, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace." This verse emphasizes that redemption is a gift of grace, not a transaction that can be bought with corruptible things.

The Inadequacy of Human Efforts

Throughout Scripture, the inadequacy of human efforts in achieving redemption is a recurring theme.Isaiah 64:6 reminds believers, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags." This metaphor illustrates that even the best human deeds fall short of God's standard and cannot purchase redemption.

The Eternal Perspective

The eternal nature of redemption is contrasted with the temporal nature of material wealth. InMatthew 6:19-20 , Jesus instructs, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." This teaching encourages believers to focus on spiritual wealth, which is imperishable.

Conclusion

The doctrine that corruptible things cannot purchase redemption is a cornerstone of Christian theology. It affirms that salvation is a divine gift, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and cannot be earned or bought by human means. This understanding calls believers to rely wholly on God's grace and the redemptive work of Christ for their salvation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 1:18
For as much as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Blood of the Covenant
... "Ye were redeemed, not withcorruptible things as silver... as the blood-shedding for
ourredemption is the... it does not fully understand, andcannot define, the...

Christ Rightly and Properly Said to have Merited Grace and...
... propitiation"; for in a manner whichcannot be expressed... in that he gave the price
ofredemption in the... ye were not redeemed withcorruptible things, as silver...

"And the Redeemer Shall Come unto Zion, and unto them that Turn,"
... the first distance; for "love and majestycannot long dwell... And besides, he hath
right toredemption, as the... It was not gold or silver, orcorruptible things....

Of the Effects of those Prerogatives.
... the mysteries of the work of ourredemption; yea, so... Matthew 25:21;) which, because
itcannot enter into... enjoy ere long), before thecorruptible things of this...

"Therefore, Brethren, we are Debtors, not to the Flesh, to Live...
... in the second, and that is the work of theredemption of man... gold, and the heavens
into precious stones, yet thesecorruptible and materialthings come as...

A More Particular Account of the Way by which this Salvation is to...
... and righteousness, and sanctification, andredemption." (1:Cor... thou wast not redeemed
withcorruptible things, as silver... for Icannot and will not dissemble it...

"Bought with a Price"
... that "ye were not redeemed withcorruptible things, as silver... same time cast away
the benefit ofredemption.... impress upon the memory; mencannot forget these...

How Christ is Made Use of for Justification as a Way.
... of salvation through works, that wecannot endure to... Thus there was a covenant of
redemption betwixt God... with gold or silver, orcorruptible things but with...

Of the Incapacity of an Unregenerate Person for Relishing the...
... of kings and princes, are butcorruptible things, (1 Pet... in the economy of our
redemption, to form... now prevailed upon to consider thesethings;things which, if...

The Costliness of Prayer
... Now they do it to obtain acorruptible crown: but we... Even as we got those goodthings
by prayer at... by conquest, or by inheritance, or by right ofredemption....