The Redemption Work of Our Anointed Priest
Redemption work belongeth to our anointed Priest, and He only could effect it.
The priests under the law required the redemption price to be brought to them by the people, but our Priest, in the similitude of Melchisedec, brings the price to them, and pays it for them; hence the apostle was commissioned to say to the elect of God, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)
Now, as the word redemption in our day is so grossly perverted, and as the Papist sentiment of universal redemption has poisoned the great mass of professing Protestants, I shall detain you a few moments to take a view of the redemption which is by Christ Jesus, labeled as it is with three prominent words, purchase, pardon, and perfection.
The first of these labels is given us by the mouth of Paul: “Feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28)
No universal redemption here; it is the Church of God which He hath purchased, and it would be an impeachment of the wisdom and faithfulness of God our Saviour to suppose that He had purchased what He never meant to possess.
The Church is His property; and though she had gone into captivity to sin and Satan, it was His prerogative to buy back (as the word redeemed signifies) that which was His own from everlasting, and must be possessed by Him forever, yea, and to perfect His work in every redeemed soul to meeten it for glory.
Moreover, the redemption which the word of God publishes includes the full and free pardon of all the redeemed, as it is written, “In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” (Ephesians 1:7)
How foolishly then do men talk about all the world being redeemed, while the large majority of Adam’s race remain unpardoned, unregenerate, and under condemnation until they perish eternally.
What mockery and falsehood to tell men they are redeemed, while they continue in slavery, wearing their chains, and fond of them. Would to God that such heresy was confined to Rome, for it is quite in keeping with the rest of the dogmas of Antichrist.
Again, the redemption which honors our High Priest is and must be perfect; hence the apostle is directed to inform us that our Redeemer “entered once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Hebrews 9:12). So also He is said to have “perfected for ever them that are sanctified,” (Hebrews 10:14) or set apart as His redeemed. And His own declaration is, “All that the Father giveth me shall come unto me” (John 6:37).
Surely then, the most trembling doubting soul who has come to Christ for pardon and salvation may take courage to believe that His very coming to Christ proves that he is redeemed with precious blood, and that he shall assuredly be saved, because the redemption which is in Christ Jesus is a perfect work.
By Joseph Irons
Jesus is LORD! 
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