Lesson #29—Redemption Purchased

Shorter Catechism Q & A #29

Q. How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ?

A. We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.

Memorize Q & A—Exposition

The work of redemption by grace alone is accomplished by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Father sent the Son, the Son satisfies his justice, and the Spirit applies it to our lives.

What does it mean?

Define the words REDEMPTION (Rom. 3:24, Col. 1:14) AND EFFECTUAL (Eph. 3:7, 16; James 5:16).

Discuss the reason for which Christ came, and the power which accompanied this reason; in reference to John 1:11–12 and Titus 3:5–6.

What is our practice?

What we think and know and understand about Christ is reflected in our daily activities and our witness for him as our Redeemer. Also, Christ is our motivation to share the Gospel of grace. Therefore, we must practice our love for God and neighbor in our witness to others. Have we expressed kindness and helpfulness to our neighbor?

Quotes for thought and discussion:

“Thus is portrayed in Scripture the wonderful character of Jesus Christ. It is of the utmost importance that we have right views concerning His person and work. Otherwise we shall never be able to render Him that honor and respect and devotion that He properly deserves, nor shall we be able to understand the system of truth that He has set forth. The question that Christ Himself put to the Pharisees, ‘What think ye of the Christ? Whose son is He?’ is still the critical question, and no one is entitled to the name of Christian who cannot answer that question aright. … Scripture and experience unite in affirming that there is no saving knowledge of God apart from Christ, and that all who enter heaven do so only through the atonement that He has provided.” (Loraine Boettner)

“The Lord Jesus, by His perfect obedience, and sacrifice of Himself, which He, through the eternal Spirit, once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the justice of His Father; and purchased, not only reconciliation, but an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, for all those whom the Father hath given unto Him.” (Westminster Confession of Faith, 8.5.)

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