Introduction
As I study the Scriptures, I find references to both the Father and the Son as Redeemer, which raises an important question: Are the Two Redeemers the Same Person? In the Old Testament, God presents Himself as the Redeemer of Israel, while in the New Testament, the Scriptures describe Jesus as the one who redeems us by His blood. In this article, I analyze these passages and compare their meanings to understand how both play a role in redemption and what their relationship is within the plan of salvation.
Yahweh, the Redeemer in the Old Testament
Isaiah 60:16 – “And you will suck the milk of the Gentiles, and nurse at the breast of kings; and you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.“
Isaiah 49:26 – “And I will feed your oppressors with their own flesh, and they will be drunk with their own blood, as with new wine; and all flesh will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.“
The passages above show us some words of our God in which He identified Himself as the Savior and Redeemer of Israel.
Jesus the Redeemer in the New Testament
In contrast, the writings present in the New Testament present redemption being granted through the blood of Christ, making him our Redeemer:
Colossians 1:14 – “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins“
Ephesians 1:7 – “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace“
Romans 3:24 – “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus“
Misinterpretation
Based on these comparisons, some conclude that Jesus is the God of the Old Testament who spoke through Isaiah. This interpretation becomes problematic because it misapplies the title Redeemer within the plan of salvation. God is our Redeemer, and so is Jesus, for it was through Jesus’ sacrifice that the Father granted us redemption. Because Christ shed his blood on the cross of Calvary, he became our redeemer along with the Father.
What Did the Father Do to the Son?
Just because the Son receives the same title as the Father does not mean that we should conclude that they are the same person. We need to harmonize the biblical passages according to what God reveals to us. The following text clearly shows that the Son became “redemption” (redeemer) according to the will of the Father:
1 Corinthians 1:30 – “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.“
Conclusion
Therefore, both the Father and the Son are our redeemers, but this does not mean that they are the same person. Each became our redeemer in a different way. The Father is our redeemer in the plan of salvation because He granted His forgiveness by giving His Son to die in our place. The Son becomes our redeemer by shedding His blood on the cross to save us.
May God bless us.
