# Jesus: The Redeemed Redeemer
The concept of Jesus as the "Redeemed Redeemer" or "Saved Saviour" offers a profound insight into his humanity and the process of redemption, particularly within Christadelphian theology. This perspective emphasizes that Jesus, the Messiah, needed to be saved by God, highlighting his full participation in human mortality and his ultimate victory over death.
## The Humanity and Mortality of Jesus
Christadelphian belief underscores that Jesus, though divine, was fully human. Born in the line of Abraham and David, Jesus inherited their mortal, condemned nature. This does not imply he was sinful in action, but rather that he shared in the human condition of mortality and susceptibility to death. Hebrews 2:14-17 articulates that Jesus shared in humanity's flesh and blood to destroy the power of death and the devil. His participation in human nature was essential for him to be an effective mediator and high priest.
Christadelphian theology holds a distinctive view of the devil. Definition: The devil is a personification of Human Nature, not an abstract concept but that physical element of the animal nature which causes all diseases, death, and resolution into dust. This understanding emphasizes that the devil is not a supernatural being but rather the inherent mortality and sinful tendencies present in human nature. By addressing and overcoming this aspect of human nature through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated the path to victory over sin and death, fulfilling his role as the Redeemed Redeemer.
## The Need for Salvation
The idea that Jesus needed to be saved might seem counterintuitive given traditional Christian doctrines that emphasize his divinity. However, several passages support this view. Hebrews 5:7 states that during his earthly life, Jesus offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. The Greek term "ἐκ θανάτου" (ek thanatou), often translated as "out of death," suggests that Jesus sought deliverance not from dying but from the state of death itself. This prayer was answered through his resurrection.
## The Role of Jesus’ Sacrifice
Jesus' death and subsequent resurrection are pivotal in understanding his role as both Redeemer and Redeemed. Hebrews 9:12 tells us that Jesus entered the holy places not with the blood of goats and calves but with his own blood, securing eternal redemption. This redemption was first for himself, as he needed to overcome his mortal nature, and then for humanity. His sacrifice was unique in that, unlike the Levitical high priests who needed to offer sacrifices daily for their sins and those of the people (Hebrews 7:27), Jesus offered himself once for all.
### Abrogating the Law of Condemnation
Jesus' perfect obedience, even unto death, was necessary to obtain the title to resurrection. By living a sinless life, he fulfilled the requirements of the law, and through his sacrificial death, he abrogated the law of condemnation for himself and for all who believe and obey him. This concept is rooted in passages such as Romans 6:9-10, which states that Jesus, having been raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has dominion over him. Throughout his life, Jesus was subject to the natural law of decay, including the aging process, known as cellular aging. This inherent mortality, referred to as the diabolos, was what Jesus condemned in his own flesh on the cross. At his resurrection, Jesus completely destroyed this condition, securing eternal life.
## Ceremonial Uncleanliness and Purification
Christadelphian theology also touches on the ceremonial aspects of Jesus' death. According to Jewish law, touching a dead body rendered one unclean (Numbers 19:11). In dying, Jesus himself became ceremonially unclean, underscoring his full participation in human mortality. His resurrection can thus be seen as a divine act of purification and salvation, not just for humanity but for Jesus himself, affirming his role as the Redeemed Redeemer.
## Jesus' Resurrection: The Ultimate Salvation
The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of God saving him out of death. Acts 2:24 declares that God raised Jesus from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. This act was a definitive response to Jesus' prayers and a testament to his reverent submission to God's will. Philippians 2:8-9 further emphasizes that because of his obedience unto death, God exalted Jesus and gave him the name above every name. His exaltation followed his humble submission and sacrificial death, highlighting the process of redemption that he himself underwent.
## Implications for Believers
Understanding Jesus as the Redeemed Redeemer has profound implications for believers. It provides a model of obedience, faith, and dependence on God. Just as Jesus, through his reverent submission and prayers, was saved out of death, believers are called to follow in his footsteps, trusting in God's power to save. Jesus' victory over death assures believers of their own potential for resurrection and eternal life.
In conclusion, the concept of Jesus as the Redeemed Redeemer enriches the understanding of his dual role in the salvation narrative. He was not only the savior of humanity but also the one who experienced the need for salvation. This perspective underscores his full humanity, his obedience, and the divine power that raised him from death, providing a powerful assurance of redemption and hope for all who follow him.
