(Apolutrosis)

 

Greek Pronunciation [ah pah LEW troh sihs]

HCSB Translation: redemption

Uses in the NT: 10

 

 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption
(Ephesians 4:29-30)

 

In the NT, apolutrosis may refer to present or future redemption.  When referring to future redemption, the term looks to the salvation of the Christian’s physical body from the distresses of this world.  The Son of Man’s return will usher in release from suffering and persecution (Lk. 21:28).  In Paul’s theology, the future redemption of our physical bodies will be accompanied both by the church’s full adoption into divine sonship and by the creation being set free from decay (Rom. 8:18- 23).  Presently, the Holy Spirit is the down payment guaranteeing the future “redemption of the possession” (meaning God will fully redeem His church and/or the church will posses its full inheritance; Eph. 1:14; 4:30).  Christians have redemption, described as the forgiveness of sins (Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14). Thus the work of God in Christ ensures both present and future redemption for His people.

 


Word Studies courtesy of the Holman Christian Standard Study Bible. Used with permissions from B&H Publishing Group, A Division of LifeWay Christian Resources.