Paid in Full by our Kinsman-Redeemer
- kingdomcitizensinc
- 3 days ago
- 7 min read
The rescue Story We All Need
Welcome to the kingdom citizens blog!
A story of rescue, relationship, and redemption.
What are the results of our redemption? Since our sin-debt is paid-in-full in Christ, we have the privilege and luxury of indulging in the inheritance of certain liberties. The redemptive work of Christ achieves three main interrelated outcomes: freedom from bondage, restoration of inheritance, and adoption into God’s family.
Benefits of being paid in full
Freedom from Bondage. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, believers are liberated from the dominion of sin and death. Paul declares, “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves of righteousness” (Rom. 6:18). Redemption thus reorients the believer’s allegiance—from bondage to self and sin, to servanthood under grace.
To further enrich our understanding of what it means to be “slaves of righteousness” (Rom 6:18), we can look at how HELPS Word-studies defines the term slaves:
1402 (doulóō) – “to enslave” (passive, “become enslaved”), focusing on the status of being a bond-slave. In contrast to the related verb 1398 (douleúō), 1402 (doulóō) emphasizes the results or effects of enslavement—that is, what naturally accompanies belonging to another. (See 1401 [doulos].) (HELPS Word-studies, 2011).
This definition highlights that Paul’s phrase “slaves of righteousness” involves not mere obligation, but a transformed identity—belonging wholly to a new master. This sense of belonging is necessary as we are set apart for God as holy vessels.
Restoration of Inheritance. In Christ, believers regain what was lost through Adam: the inheritance of eternal life and fellowship with God. Peter describes this inheritance as “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:4). This restored inheritance is both eschatological, pointing to the coming kingdom, and relational, as believers share in the sonship of Christ (Rom. 8:17).
Adoption as Children of God. Paul writes, “God sent His Son… to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship” (Gal. 4:4–5). Redemption not only frees from slavery but establishes familial relationship. The redeemed are not merely freed servants—they are sons and daughters, co-heirs with Christ.
HELPS Word-studies. (2011). 1402. Douloó (enslave). In HELPS Word-studies. Bible Hub. https://biblehub.com/greek/1402.htm
Jesus: The Good Shepherd & The Gate
In the Hebrew Scriptures, the term go’el (גֹּאֵל, translated “redeemer”) derived from the verb gaʾal meaning “to redeem” or “to act as a redeemer,” referred to a close male relative who bore the responsibility of protecting and restoring the rights, property, and well-being of his family. According to Mosaic Law, the kinsman-redeemer acted in several key ways:
He could redeem a relative sold into slavery due to debt (Leviticus 25:25–28; 47–55).
He could redeem land that had been sold outside the family, ensuring that inheritance remained within the tribe.
He could avenge the blood of a slain relative, ensuring justice was carried out (Numbers 35:19).
He could preserve the family line through levirate marriage, marrying a deceased relative’s widow to produce offspring in his name (Deuteronomy 25:5–10).
From these laws, the kinsman-redeemer emerges as a figure of mercy, justice, and restoration. He had to be fit, willing, and able to redeem. In such cases, the redeemer functioned as a protector of the clan’s moral and legal integrity and also paid the purchase price to restore the relative’s freedom, symbolizing deliverance from bondage. These actions reflected not only economic compassion but also theological truth: the land ultimately belonged to Yahweh, and Israel’s social structure was to mirror God’s covenant faithfulness. This combination of relationship, willingness, and ability forms the foundation of the redemptive work later fulfilled by Christ.
Boaz & Ruth: A Living Parable of Redemption
Ephesians 1:2–4 proclaims:
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence.”
This passage is an extension of our intimate relationship with the Lord. All praise, worship, reverence, and glory belong to our Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ. We bless His Holy Name because He is sovereign and worthy of all praise. It’s in His presence that we are holy and blameless. We are chosen, covered in the blood of Jesus, and in the very midst of His glorious Love.
We, who are the “blessed” in Christ, receive an inheritance of eternal value. In Christ, we are recipients of God’s favor and grace. “Every spiritual blessing” describes the fullness of the unseen wonders reserved for those who believe in Christ—the completeness and sufficiency of the Lord’s supernatural gifts to believers.
These blessings include redemption, salvation, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and everlasting treasures stored in Heaven on our behalf (Matthew 6:19–20). The heavenly realms exist beyond the limitations of space and time, emphasizing the superiority and transcendence of spiritual realities over temporal ones.
Chosen for God’s happiness and pleasure, He has already established in His realm all that we need in this realm. The ‘heavenly places’ are the epicenter of our breakthrough’s here on earth in our natural struggles. Every condition, conflict, sin, and need is already accounted for according to His riches in glory (Phil. 4:19).
There is truly a spiritual nature to our natural antagonisms. Our adversary, the devil, is still attempting to fight the Lord for our souls but he has already lost and is resisting in vain. Those who belong to Christ cannot be plucked out of His hands (John 10:28). Our eternal life is secured in Jesus. But we must remember to do our part. God’s Kingdom is not one of spectators but of ambassadors active in faith and worship. Our salvation positions us in His presence where His glory dictates our enterprise here on earth.
WE Are God's Portion & He is ours
Deuteronomy 32:9 explicitly states that God's portion is His people, highlighting their unique place in His plan. Exodus 19:5–6 describes the redeemed as “His own possession,” “a special treasure,” or “a peculiar people.” Psalm 16:5–9 affirms, “The LORD is my chosen portion,” revealing a mutual relationship where God is the inheritance and God's people are His.
To be God’s portion means we are chosen and loved, regardless of our imperfections or failings. It means we have a secure inheritance—just as the concept of a “portion” in ancient times signified provision and permanence. God’s ultimate purpose in history is not just individual redemption but the creation of a distinct and unified people who are His.
This truth brings hope and security in God’s unwavering love and care. It invites contentment, even in the absence of material possessions, because our ultimate inheritance is in Him. And it calls us to praise and gratitude, recognizing that we are God’s chosen portion—redeemed, restored, and deeply loved. Please don’t deny that you are God’s portion. You must recognize it as true. Regardless of how you feel, you must cling to what God’s Word teaches you to know.
THe Fulfillment of the Redeemer's ROle in Christ
Every requirement of the kinsman-redeemer is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He became human, making Him our near relative (Hebrews 2:14). He willingly gave His life (John 10:18). He was able to redeem us through His sinless blood (1 Peter 1:19). He completed the work of redemption, declaring, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Jesus doesn’t just restore what was lost—He gives us eternal life, adoption into God’s family, and a place in His kingdom.
Every requirement and purpose of the goel finds its culmination in Christ:
Requirement of the Goel | Fulfillment in Christ |
Must be a near relative | Christ became human (Heb. 2:14) |
Must be willing to redeem | Christ offered Himself willingly (John 10:18) |
Must be able to redeem | Christ’s sinless life and divine nature made Him able (1 Pet. 1:19) |
Must complete the redemption | Christ finished the work on the cross (John 19:30) |
Conclusion: A Redeemer Who Became Family
Jesus Christ is not a distant Savior. He is our Kinsman-Redeemer—our Brother, our Shepherd, our Gate, our Portion, our Life-Abundant. He stepped into our story, bore our pain, and paid our debt. He rescued us not out of obligation, but out of love.
To know Jesus as our Kinsman-Redeemer is to live in the joy of freedom, intimacy, and hope. It’s to walk with the One who became like us so we could become like Him. The story of the goel in Israel’s history points beyond itself to the ultimate act of redemption in Christ. As the psalmist proclaims:
“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” —Psalm 107:2
In Christ, humanity’s lost inheritance is restored, its slavery is ended, and its family relationship with God is renewed forever. May this truth stir your heart to worship, deepen your relationship with Christ, and awaken a longing to walk closely with the One who made you His own.
Make sure to stay tuned in for this next blog post so you don't miss out on your word of instruction and encouragement. In my next blog, I'll define and discuss Biblical Vulnerability and the profound impact learning it can have on our daily lives. In the meantime, be blessed. Thank you and Godspeed!
Scripture of Emphasis:
Hebrews 2:10-16 (NASB)
"10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the originator of their salvation through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for this reason He is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12 saying,
“I will proclaim Your name to My brothers,In the midst of the assembly I will sing Your praise.”
13 And again,
“I will put My trust in Him.”
And again,
“Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me.”
14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, so that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. 16 For clearly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendants of Abraham."
Thank You and God Bless!
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