This word is used several times in Scripture to denote the immense price the Lord Jesus gave for the purchase of his people. He saith himself, (Matthew 20:28) "The son of man came to give his life a ransom for many."And his servant the apostle saith, (1 Timothy 2:6) "Who gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time." And to heighten the subject, beyond all possible conception, of the greatness of the value, Peter was commissioned to tell the church that "they were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot." (1 Peter 1:18-19) And the Psalmist brings in his testimony to the same amount, (Psalms 49:7-8) "None can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: for the redemption of his soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever." But to shew, at the same time, that what the Lord Jesus gave was fully equal, yea, more than equal to the vast purchase, the Holy Ghost, in the book of Job, introduceth JEHOVAH as speaking concerning the redeemed sinner, "Deliver him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom." (Job 33:24) And hence, in proof that this one offering of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all, hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified, the prophet Isaiah is appointed to describe the happy effects of redemption in the everlasting salvation of all Christ's people. "The ransomed of the Lord (saith he) shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away." (Isaiah 35:10)
I hope the reader will indulge me with one short observation on the subject of Jesus giving himself a ransom for his people. Never in all the annals of mankind was there ever heard of such unparalleled love. Suppose some generous prince, out of compassion to any of his captive subjects, were to abridge his pleasures, and give large sums of money to bring them out of captivityhow would the deed be applauded, and his name be idolized to all gene rations! But supposing this generous prince was to give himself for them, and exchange their persons in slavery by voluntarily surrendering up himself to such a statewhat would be said of this? And yet the Lord Jesus hath done this, and infinitely more, not for friends, but enemies, not for those who loved him, but those who hated him; and not only by slavery, but by death. He hath died for them, washed them in his blood, brought them out of slavery and the shadow of death, and hath broke their bonds asunder, and purchased for them an endless state of happiness, and is gone before to take possession of it in their name, and will come again to receive them to himself, that where he is there they may be also. "Wonder, O heavens, and be astonished, O earth, for the Lord hath done it!"