In an earlier blog I pointed out that the word translated forgiveness in our Bible translations actually means deliverance. In both verses that I quoted from Paul’s letters, another word appears. It is the Greek apolutrosis, which is translated as salvation.
Apolutrosis is redemption through ransom, a ransom is paid. Apolutrosis contains the word lutron, which means ransom and we find it in several places in the New Testament. See for example Matt.20:28 and 1 Tim.2:6.
redeemed from slavery
The idea of ransom is that of a slave being freed from slavery, or captivity. We were slaves to sin (Rom.6:17 and 20) and to death (Heb.2:14-15). Christ has redeemed us from that by paying the ransom for all (1 Tim.2:6). He paid the price to that which held us: death, or to the one who had the power of death: the devil (Heb.2:14). He paid the ultimate price by dying for us. We died with Him that we might become a new creation (2 Cor.5:17). Redeemed and therefore freed from sins:
Ephesians 1
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the liberation from trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.
Colossians 1
14 In Him we have redemption, even freedom from sin.
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