Redemption Is Not Salvation

Isaiah 1:27 (CJB)

“Zion will be redeemed by justice; and those in her who repent, by righteousness.”

There’s a profound distinction in Scripture that much of the modern Church has blurred, ignored, or misunderstood: the difference between redemption and salvation. In Isaiah 1:27, the prophet makes a striking statement—one that echoes through the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus, and lays bare the heart of the gospel:

Redemption comes by God’s justice; salvation belongs to those who repent and walk in righteousness.

And this distinction matters deeply.

Redemption is the door, not the destination. We often hear the terms “redemption” and “salvation” used interchangeably, but biblically, they’re not the same.

·         Redemption is what God does for His people. It is grace extended, debt paid, freedom bought—not because we earned it, but because He is just and merciful.

·         But salvation is the end of the path that begins with redemption. It involves our response: repentance, obedience, faithfulness, and the pursuit of righteousness.

Redemption is Jubilee; the year in the Torah when slaves were set free and land was restored (Leviticus 25). It was a gift, a divine intervention that reset what was lost. But once a slave was redeemed, they didn’t just return to lawlessness. They returned to order, responsibility, and covenant living.

Isaiah 1 opens with a great indictment of God’s people. They perform the right rituals; Sabbaths, new moons, and sacrifices, but their hearts are corrupt. God is not impressed with hollow religion. He says:

  Isaiah 1:13, (CJB)

“Stop bringing worthless grain offerings!.. I can’t stand evil together with your assemblies.”

Then He offers a way back:

  Isaiah 1:16–17, (CJB)

“Wash yourselves clean! Get your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing evil, learn to do good! Seek justice, relieve the oppressed, defend orphans, plead for the widow.”

Only after repentance and a pursuit of justice does Isaiah declare:

Isaiah 1:27 (CJB)

“Zion will be redeemed by justice; and those in her who repent, by righteousness.”

This is the same message preached by John the Baptist: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matthew 3:2) And it is the same gospel Jesus taught, when He said: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom... but the one who does the will of My Father.” (Matthew 7:21)

Legalism doesn’t save, but neither does lawlessness. Let’s be honest; legalism doesn’t save anyone. No one earns salvation by perfect law-keeping. That’s a trap of self-righteousness. But neither does cheap grace, the idea that you can be redeemed and then live however you want, assuming salvation is locked in.

Redemption is not the same as salvation. You can be redeemed, your freedom bought at a price, and yet still be unacceptable before God if you continue in sin, injustice, or hypocrisy. The wilderness generation in Exodus was redeemed from Egypt, and most of them died outside the Promised Land because they refused to walk in faith and obedience.

Jesus’ parables reflect this same truth:

·         The wedding guests who didn’t wear the garment (Matthew 22).

·         The servant who buried his talent (Matthew 25).

·         The branches that didn’t bear fruit (John 15).

All were called, included, and even blessed, and yet they were cut off in the end for failing to respond rightly.

We are called to become righteous. Modern theology often says we are given righteousness through faith, and that can be true, in part. It is declared righteousness when we repent and trust in Christ’s sacrifice. But that’s only the beginning; the consistent witness of Scripture is that we are also called to pursue righteousness, to become righteous in how we live.

Genesis 4:7

“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?”

1 John 3:7

“Little children, let no one deceive you: the one who does righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.”

Salvation is not just about being declared righteous, it’s about becoming acceptable before the Lord, conformed to His character, walking in His ways.

The true gospel is not just “You’ve been redeemed.” It’s “You’ve been redeemed—so now repent, be faithful, and pursue righteousness, so that you may be saved.”

It is both gift and responsibility, mercy and expectation. God’s justice provided redemption, but our repentance and righteous response is what makes us fit for salvation. Not as a wage, but as the fruit of a transformed life.

We must return to the full gospel.

Not just redeemed, but righteous.

Not just called, but chosen.

Not just delivered, but transformed.

Redemption gets you out of Egypt.

Righteousness gets you into the Kingdom.

That’s the good news. Not easy, not cheap; but holy, powerful, and eternal.