The Role Of The Father In The Redemption

THE ROLE OF THE FATHER IN THE REDEMPTION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 3:16

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 53:10, Romans 8:32, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Hebrews 10:5-10, Acts 2:23

INTRODUCTION:

Redemption is the divine process through which God rescues humanity from sin and restores fellowship with Himself. While much focus is rightly placed on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, it is vital to understand that the Father played a foundational and essential role in the plan of redemption. The death of Christ on the cross was not an isolated act of the Son alone—it was the fulfilment of a divine strategy initiated and orchestrated by the Father in His love and justice.

From the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, God the Father was not passive. He made the first move by providing a covering for Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21), symbolising the future covering of sin through the blood of His Son. Throughout Scripture, God consistently reveals His redemptive plan, culminating in the giving of His Son as the ultimate sacrifice.

Understanding the Father’s role in redemption shifts our view from seeing God as distant and wrathful to seeing Him as deeply loving, involved, and sacrificial. This message will highlight the Father’s actions, will, and heart in orchestrating redemption through Christ.

1. THE FATHER INITIATED THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION

The plan to redeem mankind did not start with man—it began with the Father. It was His idea, His design, and His purpose to bring salvation.

a) It was born out of divine love

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world…” Redemption started with love, not judgment.

b) The Father foresaw the fall and provided a solution

Revelation 13:8 – Jesus is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

c) Redemption is part of God's eternal plan

Ephesians 1:4-5 – He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world.

d) He prophesied the redemptive plan from the beginning

Genesis 3:15 – The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent’s head.

Biblical Example: Abraham offering Isaac (Genesis 22:1-14)

Abraham, as a type of God the Father, was willing to sacrifice his only son, showing the Father's willingness to give His Son for us.

2. THE FATHER GAVE HIS SON WILLINGLY

Jesus did not come by force—the Father gave Him freely and lovingly for the sake of humanity.

a) The giving was sacrificial and painful

Romans 8:32 – “He that spared not His own Son…” shows the depth of His giving.

b) The Father prepared a body for Christ

Hebrews 10:5 – “A body hast thou prepared me…” God made provision through incarnation.

c) He did not stop the crucifixion

Isaiah 53:10 – “It pleased the Lord to bruise Him…” speaks of divine purpose.

d) God sent His Son into a hostile world

Galatians 4:4 – In the fullness of time, God sent forth His Son.

Biblical Example: The father of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32)

The father willingly gave the son his inheritance and welcomed him back, just as our heavenly Father gives and forgives.

3. THE FATHER RECONCILES US THROUGH THE SON

The goal of redemption is reconciliation—restoring broken relationship between man and God.

a) God was in Christ reconciling the world

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 – God took the initiative to restore us.

b) The Father made peace through the blood of the cross

Colossians 1:20 – Peace was not by compromise but by sacrifice.

c) He no longer counts our sins against us

Psalm 103:12 – As far as the east is from the west…

d) Adoption into sonship is His gift

Romans 8:15 – We cry Abba Father through His Spirit.

Biblical Example: Joseph forgiving his brothers (Genesis 45)

Joseph, though wronged, acted to restore the relationship with his brothers—just as God the Father reconciles us.

4. THE FATHER RAISED JESUS FROM THE DEAD

Resurrection was the Father's stamp of approval on the redemptive work of Christ.

a) God raised Him up, loosing the pains of death

Acts 2:23-24 – Jesus was delivered by the determinate counsel of God.

b) The Father declared Jesus as Son through resurrection

Romans 1:4 – Declared to be the Son of God with power.

c) Resurrection completed the work of redemption

1 Corinthians 15:17 – Without resurrection, our faith is in vain.

d) It guarantees our own resurrection

1 Peter 1:3 – We have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus.

Biblical Example: Jonah in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2)

Jonah's emergence from the fish on the third day prefigures resurrection and deliverance, initiated by God's power.

5. THE FATHER GLORIFIED THE SON AND GAVE US THE SPIRIT