Partakers of Christ’s Redemption: The Certain Application of His Purchase

The question of who receives the benefits of Christ’s redemption is important. It touches the heart of the gospel, revealing the certainty and power of God’s saving work. The answer provided by the Westminster Larger Catechism directs our attention to the wondrous reality that redemption is not a vague hope or a mere possibility but a certain reality for those whom Christ has purchased. The Catechism asks, “Who are made partakers of redemption through Christ?” And answers, “Redemption is certainly applied, and effectually communicated, to all those for whom Christ hath purchased it; who are in time by the Holy Ghost enabled to believe in Christ according to the gospel.” This redemption is applied by the Holy Spirit, who works faith in the hearts of God’s chosen, enabling them to believe the gospel.

The Scope of Christ’s Redemption

To understand who partakes of redemption, we must first consider the nature of Christ’s work in his life, death, and resurrection. His death on the cross was not a general act intended to make salvation possible for all without distinction. Rather, it was a purposeful, effectual sacrifice for those whom the Father had given Him. In John 6:37, Jesus declares, "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." This verse assures us that those whom the Father has entrusted to the Son will unfailingly come to Him. Christ’s redemption is particular and definite, securing salvation for a specific people.

This truth is further clarified in John 6:39, where Jesus says, “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” Here, we see the certainty of Christ’s redeeming work. Those for whom He died are not left to chance or their own efforts; Christ ensures their salvation, preserving them unto the resurrection. His death accomplishes what it was intended to do: it redeems His people, guaranteeing their eternal life.

In John 10:15-16, Jesus speaks of laying down His life for His sheep: “Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.” Christ’s sacrifice is for His sheep, those chosen by God, both from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles. His death is effectual, ensuring that His sheep will hear His voice and follow Him. This is the scope of redemption: it is for those whom Christ calls His own, and none of them will be lost.

The Application of Redemption by the Holy Spirit

While Christ’s death secures redemption, it is the Holy Spirit who applies it to the hearts of God’s people. The catechism emphasizes that redemption is “certainly applied, and effectually communicated” to those for whom Christ died. This application is not left to human effort or decision but is the sovereign work of God’s Spirit. Ephesians 1:13-14 beautifully illustrates this: “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”

Here, we see the Spirit’s role in bringing sinners to faith. The gospel is preached, the word of truth is heard, and the Spirit enables belief, sealing believers as God’s possession. This sealing is a guarantee, an “earnest” or down payment, assuring us that the full inheritance of redemption will be realized. The Spirit’s work is not haphazard; it is purposeful, ensuring that those purchased by Christ receive the benefits of His atonement.

This truth is a great comfort. Our salvation does not depend on our ability to muster faith or maintain our standing before God. Instead, it rests on the Spirit’s effectual work, applying Christ’s redemption to our hearts. As Ephesians 2:8 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." Faith itself is a gift, granted by the Spirit, enabling us to trust in Christ. This removes all grounds for boasting and directs all glory to God, who saves us by His grace alone.

The Role of Faith in Receiving Redemption

The catechism notes that those for whom Christ purchased redemption are “in time by the Holy Ghost enabled to believe in Christ according to the gospel.” Faith is the means by which we lay hold of Christ’s redemption, but it is not a work we produce on our own. The Spirit grants faith, enabling us to trust in the gospel promises. In 2 Corinthians 4:13, Paul writes, "Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, 'I believed, and so I spoke,' we also believe, and so we also speak." The “spirit of faith” is the work of the Holy Spirit, who stirs the heart to believe and confess Christ.

This faith is not a vague optimism or a general religious sentiment. It is a specific trust in Christ, rooted in the gospel, the good news of His birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection for sinners. The Spirit opens our eyes to see the beauty of Christ, convicts us of our sin, and draws us to trust in Him alone for salvation. Through faith, we become partakers of redemption, receiving forgiveness, adoption, and the promise of eternal life.

The Assurance of Redemption’s Certainty

The catechism’s use of the word “certainly” is significant. Redemption is not a mere possibility but a sure reality for those Christ has purchased. This certainty flows from the unity of God’s purpose in salvation. The Father chooses a people, the Son redeems them, and the Spirit applies that redemption. There is no uncertainty or failure in this divine plan. Those for whom Christ died will be saved, for His work is effectual, and the Spirit’s application is sure.

This truth brings immense comfort to believers. We are not left to wonder whether Christ’s redemption will be effective for us. If we have believed in Christ, we can be confident that we are among those for whom He died, for the Spirit has worked faith in our hearts. Our salvation is secure because it rests on God’s unchanging purpose, not our fluctuating efforts.

Living as Partakers of Redemption

What does it mean to live as those who partake of Christ’s redemption? First, it means resting in the certainty of God’s grace. We do not earn our salvation; it is a gift, purchased by Christ and applied by the Spirit. This frees us from the burden of trying to prove ourselves worthy and allows us to live in gratitude for God’s mercy.

Second, it calls us to proclaim the gospel. The same Spirit who enables us to believe also empowers us to speak, as Paul notes in 2 Corinthians 4:13. We are called to share the good news of Christ’s redemption, trusting that the Spirit will work through the preached word to bring others to faith.

Finally, it stirs us to worship. The redemption purchased by Christ and applied by the Spirit is to “the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:14). Our lives should be marked by adoration for the Triune God, who has planned, accomplished, and applied our salvation. Let us marvel at His grace, trust in His promises, and live to His glory, knowing that we are partakers of Christ’s redemption.

Soli Deo Gloria