Redemption Accomplished and Applied

To a Christian, the following words are pregnant with meaning and significance: atonement, redemption, calling, regeneration, faith and repentance, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance, union, and glorification. These words are not reserved for the lecture halls of seminaries, but should be in the hearts and on the mouths of ordinary Christians. Sadly, much of "Christian culture" has departed, in practice, from traditional confessions of the atonement. These scriptural concepts have been replaced by superficial understandings of salvation. In Redemption Accomplished and Applied , Scottish theologian, John Murray (1898-1975), has written a classic to remind the Church that the atonement is central to the Christian faith. One can never exhaust the meaning of the Jesus Christ's atonement, nor should one cease trying. I highly recommend this book as you attempt to plumb the depths of the love of Christ expressed in His atonement for sinners.The book is divided into two parts:Part 1: Redemption accomplished1. The necessity of the atonement In this chapter, Murray presents a scriptural argument, particularly from Hebrews, against "hypothetical necessity" (this views says that God did not have to save by atonement but that he only chose to save by this method). Instead, Murray argues in favor of "indispensable necessity," that the holiness of God and the sinfulness of sin demand the vicarious sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Murray says "if we keep in view the gravity of sin and the exigencies arising from the holiness of God which must be met in salvation from it, then the doctrine of indispensable necessity makes Calvary intelligible to us and enhances the incomprehensible marvel of both Calvary itself and the sovereign purpose of love which Calvary fulfilled."2. The nature of the atonement Murray then discusses the two distinct aspects of Jesus Christ's vicarious obedience - recognizing that the law has both penal sanctions and positive demands. He says, "Christ's obedience was vicarious in the bearing of the full judgment of God upon sin, and it was vicarious in the full discharge of the demands of righteousness." In relation to Christ's substitutionary atonement, Murray then unwraps the following biblical concepts: a. Sacrifice. Linking Hebrews 9 and 10 with the Levitical sacrifices, he shows that the Old Testament sacrifices were patterned after the heavenly reality and that the blood of Christ "purges our conscience from dead works to serve the living God" (Heb 9:14). Christ is the High Priest that has presented Himself as the offering for sin. b. Propitiation. "God appeases his holy wrath in the cross of Christ in order that the purpose of his love to lost men may be accomplished in accordance with and to the vindication of all the perfections that constitute his glory." Romans 3:25-26 says "God displayed [Christ] publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness...that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." c. Reconciliation. It is true that we are alienated from God, but, the emphasis of scripture is that God is alienated from us because of our sin. God must take the initiative. Romans 5:8-11 says that we are "reconciled to God through the death of His Son" (v10) and "justified now in his blood." (v9). Citing 2 Cor 5:18-21, Murray emphasizes the necessity of divine monergism as God was in Christ "reconciling the world to Himself." (v19) d. Redemption. Linking all of these concepts together, Murray says, "As sacrifice is directed to the need created by our guilt, propitiation to the need that arises from the wrath of God, and reconciliation to the need arising from our alienation from God, so redemption is directed to the bondage to which our sin has consigned us." (Rom 3:24-26 links all of the terms in one glorious passage) First, Christ frees Believers from the guilt of sin by purchasing His own with His blood (Acts 20:28). Second, Christ frees Christians from the power of sin based on union with Christ in His death and resurrection (Rom 6:1-10, 2 Cor 5:14-15, Eph 2:1-7, Col 3:1-4, 1 Pet 4:1-2). In sanctification, Believers are thus exhorted "to reckon yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Rom 6:11).3. The perfection of the atonement. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom 8:1). The atonement is a completed work, never repeated and unrepeatable (Heb 1:3, 9:12, 25-28). Addressing the perfection of this atonement, Murray says, "[Christ] did not make a token payment which God accepts in place of the whole. Our debts are not canceled; they are liquidated." (emphasis mine) Hebrews 10:14 says, "For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified."4. The extent of the atonement. Murray answers the question, "for whom did Christ die?" He begins by examining several proof texts for the alternative view of "universal atonement." He demonstrates that this incorrect view actually limits the power of Christ's atonement by saying that the atonement could apply theoretically to someone who ends up in hell. In contrast, the correct view of "limited atonement" or "definite atonement" says that the atonement only applies to heirs of eternal life, the elect of the ages. He says "Christ did not come to put men in redeemable position but to redeem to himself a people." The atonement definitely secured for Christ a people for His own possession (Titus 2:14) Rhetorically, Murray asks, "Did [Christ] come to put all men in a salvable state? Or did he come to secure the salvation of all those who are ordained to eternal life?" He then examines Romans 8:31-39 to show that the elect for whom Christ died in verse 32 are the same who are justified in verse 33.Part 2: Redemption applied1. The order of application. Tying together John 3:3, John 1:12, Romans 8:30, John 6, etc, Murray orders the application of redemption as: calling, regeneration, faith and repentance, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance, and glorification. Each of these concepts is then explained in the subsequent chapters.2. Effectual calling. The calling of God in salvation is an efficacious summons by God Himself that will not be thwarted (Rom 8:30, 1 Cor 1:9, 2 Peter 1:10, 2 Tim 1:8,9, John 6:44,45).3. Regeneration. Since a person is dead in trespasses and sins, the Holy Spirit (John 3) must divinely beget him as a new creation in Christ. Only by the "first cause" of the Holy Spirit can anyone be saved. Faith is not the actual first cause. Murray says, "we are not born again by faith or repentance or conversion; we repent and believe because we have been regenerated." Further, regeneration will also have lasting effects in the sanctification of the believer. The one born of God will not continue in sin since he has been delivered from the power of sin and overcomes the world (1 John 3:9, 5:4, 5:18). Murray comments on the state of the church in his day that can apply be said today, "A cheap and tawdry evangelism has tended to rob the gospel which it proclaims of that invincible power which is the glory of the gospel of sovereign grace. May the church come to think and live again in terms of the gospel which is the power of God unto salvation."4. Faith and repentance. There is a universal command from scripture for men to repent and believe the Gospel (e.g. Acts 17:30-31). Man has the responsibility to believe. The concept of biblical faith is knowledge, conviction and trust. Faith is NOT something that merits the favor of God. "All the efficacy unto salvation resides in the Savior...The specific character of faith is that it looks away from itself and finds its whole interest and object in Christ. He is the absorbing preoccupation of faith." Repentance is the conscious turning from sin unto God with full purpose of, and endeavor after new obedience (Luke 24:46-47, Acts 2:37-38, 5:31, 20:21, etc).5. Justification. How can sinful man be just with a righteous God? God must do the justifying (Rom 8:30). Contrary to the Roman perversion, it does not refer to the renewing and sanctifying grace of God or any "infusion of grace." Murray says, "If justification is confused with regeneration or sanctification, then the door is opened for the perversion of the gospel at its centre." Rather, justification is judicial or forensic. God gives the verdict regarding our judicial status. Justification is a declarative and constitutive act of God's grace. God must constitute the new relationship as well as declare it to be. The constitutive act consists of the imputation to us of the obedience and righteousness of Christ. Then He declares it to be so.6. Adoption. As in John 1:12, adoption is the act of transfer into the family of God Himself. It is distinct from justification but not separable from it. It is also a judicial act. Those adopted are given the Spirit of adoption whereby they are able to recognize their sonship and exercise the privileges which go with it (Galatians 4:6, Rom 8:15-16).7. Sanctification. For the believer, sin is dethroned in every person who is effectually called and regenerated. Sanctification is concerned with the elimination of all sin and complete confirmation to the image of God's own Son, to be holy as the Lord is holy. The believer must be dependent on the Holy Spirit as the agent of sanctification. The Believer is not passive in this process; however, the means of sanctification is the work of God Himself (Phil 2:12-13).8. Perseverance. John 8:31-32 says that "If you continue in [Christ's] word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." Jesus' true disciples are characterized by continuance and endurance in His word (c.f. Matt 10:22, Heb 4:14). In contrast, apostasy is only temporary. It shows the "outward signs of faith in Christ and obedience to him...then lose all interest and become indifferent, if not hostile to the claims of Christ and of his kingdom." It is the lesson of the seed sown on rocky ground (Mark 4:5,6,16-17). According to 1 Peter 1:4-5, a true child of God is kept "by the power of God" until the end. How is he kept? 1 Peter also says that he is kept "through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." The perseverance of the saints reminds us that only those who persevere to the end are truly saints. John 6:39 says that of all that the Father has given the Son, He will "lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day." They will never perish, and no one can snatch them out of the Son's, nor the Father's hand (John 10:28).9. Union with Christ. "Nothing is more central or basic than union and communion with Christ," says Murray. "It is not simply a phase of the application of redemption...Union with Christ binds all together and insures that to all for whom Christ has purchased redemption he effectively applies and communicates the same." "...the greatest mystery of creaturely relations is the union of the people of God with Christ. And the mystery of it is attested by nothing more than this and it is compared to the union that exists between the Father and the Son in the unity of the Godhead." The Holy Spirit take residence in the believer and he experiences fellowship with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (1 John 1:3, John 14:16-17).10. Glorification. This is the final phase of the process of redemption. "It is the attainment of the goal to which the elect of God were predestined in the eternal purpose of the Father and it involves the consummation of the redemption secured and procured by the vicarious work of Christ." When a believer dies, he is perfected in holiness (Heb 12:23). Then, glorification will be consummated at the end of the age when, along with the creation's deliverance, believers will experience "the adoption, the redemption of the body" (Rom 8:23) and "mortal will put on immortality" (1 Cor 15:54).

Murray as always is acute and with unique clarity. The first of the book "redemption accomplished" was where I struggled a bit. Specifically his placement of the necessity of the atonement, I just found to be unsatisfying to say that it's necessity arises out of nothing other than God's purpose to save. It just seems to me that walks right past the question at hand without grappling with it. Which is, ‘why is atonement necessary?’ He then proceeds to outline the necessary method God chose and its reasoning. I think we are in error when we focus our primary attention concerning atonement on the mediator and his work himself, rather than the focus being on the father who planned, purposed and executively set everything into motion. The atonement is in much clearer light when we proceed from this focus.The necessity of the atonement arises from God's dilemma of will: his settled promise of the curse on disobedience and his love for those who came under the curse — therefore God's love is the founding necessity of the atonement. The specific requirements & details for the atonement are outlined by the law, its curse. The answer to God’s dilemma of will is by necessity, precisely what the atonement results to be. But what actually makes any of this necessary in contrast to God damning the world? Murray seems to skip over this and make out the atonement to be necessary cause God purposed it, but that seems to beg the question -- especially if we have more information to the question 'why is it necessary?'. But the cause we speak of is in itself alien to the actual situation at hand; God’s love. God's motive for sending His son was unnecessary. Therefore, nothing is necessary except the attending of the curse by those who have disobeyed the law and been brought under its curse. Yet, God’s dilemma of will sought a solution... the continental divide from where atonement is either contingent or necessary is “For God so loved the world” — since we could naturally expect the reality to ever be ““Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of mankind was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. So the Lord was sorry that He had made mankind on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. Then the Lord said, “I will wipe out mankind whom I have created from the face of the land; mankind, and animals as well, and crawling things, and the birds of the sky. For I am sorry that I have made them.”” — it would be normal to the situation if the whole Bible had ended there. We do well to recognize John 3:16’s relevance in between Genesis 6:7 & 6:8. The crux of the matter, as to why God did not immediately thrust Adam into outer darkness & as to why Noah found favor — we must call on something alien to the situation, something not naturally or consequentially drawn from the situation itself but rather adverse to what ought to follow (except that Christ was planned to die to satisfy what ought to follow!) — we know that this is so only “For God so loved the world...”On this basis, the atonement in all of its precise detail becomes vitally necessary. And not the pattern we see in the Mosaic economy, but in the true substance and heavenly economy where the atonement was actually performed, accepted — where the true aroma went forth — where the High Priest of Heavens tabernacle went into the holy of Holies once and for all, a lamb presented himself slain. This precise idea of Christ's work in atonement being the true substance and in reality preceding the Mosaic economy is present in Murray's work & I owe much of my thoughts to contemplating on his writing, as well as A.W Pinks work.

This is a great book outlining the need for, means of and application of redemption in the life of the Christian.Murray clearly presents Christian truth whilst highlighting the importance of the works of God in the Christian life which results in the glorification of God, praise for, and joy in all of God's wonderful works.The aspects of redemption are presented in a clear and logical manner outlining the will and works of God in bringing salvation, from beginning to completion, for his people. This is a richly rewarding book that deserves revisiting to further understand the great and glorious salvation provided in Christ Jesus.

This is an excellent examination of the doctrine of the atonement accomplished by Christ, and the application of that work to the hearts of believers. Using Scripture as a guide, Murray does a great job of analyzing all the aspects of the work of Christ as well as how it effects us personally. Every Christian should have this book!

This is a Christian classic and I can see why. This may not be a book for non-believers but it is certainly one for believers to grasp an understanding of the gospel truths that have been at work in them. Is it important to know? Personally I think absolutely. What is love without knowledge? What is growth without a deepening understanding of the gospel truths? This is fundamental if we are to be always "prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you." (1 Peter 3:15)God's truth is splendid. All that we need to do is to speak it plainly, and its glory will shine through. In just under 200 pages, Murray provides not only an account of Redemption Accomplished and Applied, but also a specimen of how to think through issues and establish arguments theologically. How to ask a question is an important aspect.Of course, the gospel is simple to understand. But spiritual growth means that we move from milk to solid food. the latter means greater depth. This book is such solid food on our Redemption that we should read. I greatly appreciate Murray's patience and vigour in laying out all the stages and definitions and distinctions, which give sharper focus to my understanding and correct a few of my misunderstandings. Do we need to be pedantic about the details? If your mind can take it and in your stage of Christian walk, you have been led to read it, then read it. Diligence is a Christian discipline. The goal is such that we see God's glory and majesty all the more. What impact will that have in our life?

Murray's classic is concise & precise. Explores the necessity, nature, perfection and extent of atonement. Expounds on calling, regeneration, faith, repentance, justification, sanctification, perseverance & union with Christ.

Hi ...I only returned one book as there was only one that was faulty ...I have kept one copy so only require a refund for one itemThanksKeith Massey

Another book satrts on page 172 and continues to the end. 30 return policy has expired so I cannot return it.

I hesitate to offer a review of such a substantial an difinative introduction to our understanding of the Lord Jesus' redemptive work on our behalf. Read and marvel with the angels at it's depth and breadth in the hands of this accomplished writer.The only criticism is that this ebook is very expensive bought through Amazon.