Redemption in Jeremiah

Many of the prophets record God's threats to bring judgment on His people for sin. However, most of these prophets also have hopeful words. This reflects the theological balance between God's wrath and love. One writer commented, “We need to hear what Jeremiah has to tell us because a gospel emptied of the wrath of God is a gospel emptied of truth and power” (Andrew Shead at thebriefing.com.au).

Jeremiah's message is about judgment and redemption. “Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth. The LORD said to me, 'I have just put my words in your mouth. See, I have appointed you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to tear up and to tear down, to demolish and to abolish, to grow and to sow'” (1:9-10).

God's words of hope focus on the promise of a new covenant with His people. “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah… I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people… For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (31:31-34). The writer of Hebrews quotes this passage and states that Jesus is the High Priest of the new covenant (Heb. 8:1-13). Redemption is found only in Him and in His death that brought about the new covenant.

Ben