Summary: Throughout Jesus’ ministry on earth, he was preaching the redemption and securing the possession of all that was lost at the fall. ​

Discussion: Jesus explained his mission in Luke 19:10, “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” What was lost?

When Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden, they were perfect human beings. They had perfect health, dominion over the animals, direct communication with God, God’s law within their hearts, and could have lived forever. When the couple sinned, they were condemned to dying and death. They lost the blessings God gave them at creation.

1.    Jesus purchased the whole human race in order to give them life.  1 Timothy 2:6, “who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”  Ransom is the Greek word antilutron. Strong’s Concordance defines it as, “what is given in exchange for another as the price of his redemption, ransom”.  Romans 5:18, “…by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.”

2.    Jesus purchased the church. Acts 20:28, “…the church of God which He (Jesus) purchased with His own blood.” Jesus was opening the door to the heavenly calling – “a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh.” Hebrews 10:20. “…our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” 2 Timothy 1:10. He was establishing the church with the apostles, as well as modeling the self-denying life and Christ-character for future church members.​

3.    Jesus purchased the earth. The Garden of Eden was paradise lost. On a grander scale, the whole earth will be restored to a paradise condition. God said to Jesus, “I will give thee the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” Psalm 2:8. “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom…Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” Isaiah 35:1-2, 6.

Jesus’ preaching and miracles were pointing toward the time of redemption, the establishment of His kingdom on earth. The miracles of healing foreshadowed the great healing of mind and body in the resurrection. Isaiah 35:5-6, “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.” He was always teaching that mankind’s suffering condition will end when He reigns.