Question 26 - What else does Christ’s death redeem?

Answer 26 - Christ’s death is the beginning of the redemption and renewal of every part of fallen creation, as he powerfully directs all things for his own glory and creation’s good.

This is a remarkable truth. And it hits on something important that is [perhaps] a bit of a corrective for us. Did Jesus just die for souls? The answer is no. He didn't just die for souls. Of course, we understand that lost souls will suffer eternal punishment for their sins at the hands of a righteous God. So the soul is all-important. Charles Spurgeon said, “the soul is worth 10,000 worlds.” Amen. We need to affirm that!

However, Jesus died and rose again to redeem every part of fallen creation. When Jesus began his public ministry, he announced: “the kingdom of God is at hand” followed by the healing of the sick, casting out demons, raising the dead, and so forth - this was evidence that the work of Christ is far reaching - beyond just the salvation of non-physical souls.

Regardless of one’s eschatology, every Christian believes that Jesus is going to return again and that the world will be renewed, restored, resurrected. Remember that although God’s creation is corrupted because of sin, it was created good. 

Christians also believe that the bodies of every Christian will be raised incorruptible and glorified, and that our final state will be on “the new earth” with Jesus Christ, and that righteousness and peace will reign forever and ever. 

Colossians 1:19-20 - For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.