5 Incredible Stories of Redemption in the Bible That Will Inspire You

Redemption means atonement or deliverance. The Bible includes multiple stories of individuals who were delivered from oppression, like the children of Israel were delivered from Pharaoh’s bondage. Redemption is a central theme that runs throughout the Bible. It points to the ultimate Redeemer, Christ, and His redemption of mankind. Throughout the Bible, stories show us what redemption looks like and that God Himself is the mastermind behind it all.

Naomi & Ruth

These two women’s stories are intertwined because Ruth refuses to be separated from Naomi. Naomi is Ruth’s mother-in-law. Naomi, her husband, and two sons leave Bethlehem during famine to seek refuge in Moab. One of Naomi’s sons marries Ruth, a Moabite. Sadly, Naomi’s husband and both sons died, leaving her with two daughters-in-law. After her loss, Naomi feels utterly defeated and decides to return to Bethlehem. She implores her daughters-in-law to return to Moab.

One goes back, but Ruth will not leave Naomi, insisting in Ruth 1:16 that “whither thou goest, I will go.” So they head back to Judah empty. While there, Naomi sends Ruth to Boaz’s fields to glean barley for their sustenance. Boaz, a wealthy farmer, is drawn to Ruth, and they eventually marry. Naomi and Ruth left Moab destitute and in grief, but God, through Boaz, provides redemption for them both.

Boaz and Ruth have a son named Obed, the grandfather of King David. Obed is from the lineage of Christ. This story ends in joy as Ruth, who left Bethlehem in famine and suffered loss in Moab, returns with Ruth. In turn, Ruth marries Boaz, their kinsman redeemer, whom Christ is called for us. Naomi and Ruth are delivered from lack and enjoy abundance through Boaz’s redemption.

Rahab

Rahab is an unlikely ancestor in Christ’s lineage. Rahab is the mother of Boaz. She is a righteous woman, but doesn’t start that way. When Moses sends spies into Jericho to inspect the land God promised them, Joshua and Caleb encounter Rahab, a prostitute. She agrees to help them escape after the men of Jericho conspire to kill them.

She asks only that they spare her family when they return to conquer the land. When God brings the walls of Jericho down, Rahab and her family are delivered. She renounces her past and enters into a covenant relationship with the God of Israel. She marries Salmon, a godly man, and Rahab becomes a well-respected mother in Israel. She becomes Ruth’s mother-in-law, and they both enjoy God’s blessings made possible by redemption.

David

David is the King of Israel, handpicked by God to rule over His people. God has brought him from shepherding his father’s flocks to the highest throne in the land. His influence and wealth surpass many kings of his day. As king, David leads his troops in battle; however, on one occasion, he decides to let the army fight without him and stays home.

While at home, his eyes behold a delightful sight: Bathsheba, the wife of one of his bravest warriors. Unwilling to resist his desires, he sends for her. Later, she discovers she’s pregnant and sends him word. He tries unsuccessfully to get her husband to sleep with her to take himself off the hook. But her husband is so devoted to King David and the army that he won’t consider any enjoyment while his fellow soldiers are out on the battlefield.

David then plots to have Uriah killed in battle, and then he takes Bathsheba as his wife. God is displeased and sends David’s seer Nathan to expose David’s sin. David, realizing how he’s sinned against God, cries out in despair and repentance. God forgives David, sparing his life. Although David suffers loss for his disobedience, God’s redemption brings restoration to the fallen king.

Prodigal Son

In Luke 15, Jesus tells His disciples the story of the Prodigal Son. He is the son of a wealthy man. One day, he decides that he can’t wait until his father dies to receive his inheritance. So, he asks for it, and his father gives it to him. He goes off and has a good time with his newly acquired riches, but living large, he eventually runs out of money.

Broke and without a friend to his name, he decides to go back home. His father, longing for his return, sees him from a distance and runs to meet him. The prodigal son repents, and the father restores him completely. The son’s only hope was to be taken back as a hired servant, but his father’s love and forgiveness gave him full redemption.

Peter

Peter is the most outspoken of Jesus’s disciples. He’s part of Jesus’s inner circle, which includes James and John. They are with Jesus nearly everywhere He goes. When Jesus is facing the cross, Peter swears he will die with Him rather than leave His side.  However, the temple soldiers come to get Jesus and take him to the Sanhedrin court to be found guilty and put to death.

While Peter waits outside to hear the outcome, people begin to recognize him as one of Jesus’s followers. Three times Peter denies any association, and Jesus, who prophesied Peter’s denial of Him, meets his eye. Peter goes away weeping bitterly, feeling the weight of his mistake.

After Jesus’s resurrection, He finds Peter and asks Peter three times if he loves Him. Jesus gives Peter three times to clear his name, while charging him to minister to His people. Peter is restored and made whole by the redemption of Jesus Christ.

Paul

Paul, whose Hebrew name is Saul, is on the road to Damascus. He’s riding his horse vigorously, as he and those with him are on a mission to get to the city. There, they will arrest anyone who believes in Jesus Christ. The Chief Priest and his officials have given Paul written authority to do so. The Jewish leaders don’t recognize Christ as the Messiah. Therefore, any believing Jew will be tried and condemned to death.

Before reaching his destination, a bright light shines from Heaven, and Paul falls to the ground, hearing a voice. Paul, now blinded, hears Jesus speaking to him. Paul immediately calls Him Lord and asks Him what he should do. Three days later, God sends a man to Paul who tells him the plan God has for him.

Paul, who once persecuted Christians, becomes the most recognizable name, besides Jesus, in Christianity. Author of nearly half the New Testament, Paul’s story of redemption showcases God’s power to change even the chief of sinners, whom Paul once admitted he was.

Thief on the Cross

When Jesus was on the cross, two thieves on either side were mocking Him, although they were also condemned to death. One had a revelation that this was the Son of God and asked that when Jesus entered His kingdom, He’d remember him. Jesus promised him that he would be with Him in paradise that day.

This man, who was condemned for his crimes, was redeemed by the Savior. This story shows the nature of God’s redemption. Even though one has lived a life of sin, if at the last breath, one repents, God’s redemption is assured.

Made for Redemption

The Bible declares that God’s redemption plan was ordained before the earth was formed. God knew that we would need a Redeemer, so Christ was chosen from the foundation of the world to fulfill that role. Redemption is displayed throughout the Bible in the lives of  Naomi, Ruth, Rahab, David, Paul, the thief, and so many others. If you find yourself in need of redemption, rest assured, redemption has already been provided through Christ. All you must do is receive it.