THE ROLE OF THE SON IN THE REDEMPTION
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 10:17-18
"Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father."
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 53:4-7, Hebrews 9:11-14, Philippians 2:5-11, Colossians 1:13-20, 1 Peter 2:24
INTRODUCTION:
Redemption is the central theme of the Christian faith, and at the heart of this glorious truth is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. While the Father orchestrated the plan of redemption, the Son willingly took on the responsibility of executing it. The role of the Son in redemption is not passive—it is active, deliberate, and sacrificial. His coming into the world, His perfect life, His atoning death, and His resurrection form the pillars of our salvation.
Jesus Christ, the eternal Son, left His heavenly glory to become human in order to save humanity. This act of divine condescension was not for His benefit but ours. He lived without sin, taught the way of righteousness, and ultimately gave Himself as the spotless Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world.
In this sermon, we will explore how Jesus, through His obedience, sacrifice, and victory, fulfilled His redemptive role. His life, death, and resurrection were the ultimate expressions of love, and they remain the cornerstone of our hope and eternal life.
1. THE SON BECAME INCARNATE TO IDENTIFY WITH HUMANITY
Christ took on human flesh in order to redeem those who were under the law.
a) He left His divine glory to become a man
Philippians 2:6-7 – Though equal with God, He made Himself of no reputation.
b) He was born of a woman and under the law
Galatians 4:4-5 – To redeem those under the law, He had to enter our condition.
c) He experienced human weakness and temptation
Hebrews 4:15 – Tempted in all points yet without sin.
d) He fully identified with our suffering
Isaiah 53:3 – A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
Biblical Example: Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)
He was tempted by the devil, yet stood firm and overcame for our sakes.
2. THE SON LIVED A SINLESS LIFE TO QUALIFY AS THE PERFECT SACRIFICE
Only a sinless Saviour could redeem sinful humanity.
a) He fulfilled all righteousness
Matthew 3:15 – Jesus insisted on being baptised to fulfil all righteousness.
b) He was the spotless Lamb
1 Peter 1:19 – A Lamb without blemish and without spot.
c) No guile was found in His mouth
1 Peter 2:22 – He did no sin, neither was deceit found in Him.
d) He was obedient even unto death
Philippians 2:8 – He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death.
Biblical Example: Jesus before Pilate (John 18:38)
Pilate declared, "I find no fault in Him," confirming Christ’s innocence.
3. THE SON OFFERED HIMSELF AS A SACRIFICE FOR SIN
The death of Jesus was the heart of redemption.
a) He bore our sins on the cross
1 Peter 2:24 – He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree.
b) He became the propitiation for our sins
1 John 2:2 – His sacrifice satisfied divine justice.
c) He shed His blood for remission
Hebrews 9:22 – Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission.
d) He died in our place as a substitute
Isaiah 53:5 – He was wounded for our transgressions.
Biblical Example: The crucifixion of Christ (Luke 23:33-46)
He cried, “It is finished,” signifying that the redemptive price had been paid in full.
4. THE SON ROSE FROM THE DEAD TO SECURE OUR JUSTIFICATION
The resurrection was the proof of Christ’s redemptive success.
a) He conquered death and the grave
1 Corinthians 15:55-57 – Death is swallowed up in victory.
b) His resurrection guarantees our salvation
Romans 4:25 – Raised for our justification.
c) He lives forever to intercede for us
Hebrews 7:25 – He ever lives to make intercession for the saints.
d) His resurrection gives us new life
Romans 6:4 – We walk in newness of life through His resurrection.
Biblical Example: Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18)
The risen Christ appeared, proving He had conquered the grave and lives forevermore.
5. THE SON NOW REIGNS AND ADMINISTERS REDEMPTION
The work continues as Christ reigns and empowers His Church.
a) He is seated at the right hand of the Father
Hebrews 1:3 – After purging our sins, He sat down in majesty.
b) He has given us access to the Father
Hebrews 10:19-20 – We enter boldly by the blood of Jesus.
c) He sends the Holy Spirit to apply redemption
John 16:7 – It is to your advantage that I go away...
d) He is coming again to complete our redemption
Hebrews 9:28 – He will appear a second time to bring full salvation.
Biblical Example: Stephen’s vision before martyrdom (Acts 7:55-56)
Stephen saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God, actively involved in the affairs of His redeemed.
CONCLUSION:
The role of the Son in redemption is all-encompassing—from His incarnation to His resurrection and eternal reign. Jesus Christ willingly became man, lived without sin, died a sacrificial death, and rose victoriously so that we might be saved. His work is not only finished—it is eternal, and its effects are everlasting for those who believe.
Let us never lose sight of the immeasurable love and obedience of Jesus Christ. As we remember His role in redemption, let our hearts overflow with worship, our lives reflect His righteousness, and our mouths proclaim the gospel to a world in need of salvation.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord Jesus, I thank You for taking my place on the cross and paying the price for my sins.
2. Help me to live a life worthy of Your sacrifice and reflect Your righteousness daily.
3. By Your resurrection power, revive every dead area of my life.
4. Let the reality of Your redemption become deeply rooted in my spirit.
5. Help me to proclaim Your saving grace to others boldly and faithfully.
