To accomplish or do something positive after failing or doing something negative They can atone for yesterday's defeat by winning today's game. Redemption is the act of paying back someone or something for an offense or wrong done by them. It can also mean the return of something lost, such as your redemption price on a horse. Redeem oneself refers to paying back one's sins or faults by good works. One can never repay another person for harm done, but one can always try to make up for bad behavior with good actions. Redemption stories are found in many religions. Christians believe that Jesus Christ can redeem mankind from sin. He did this when he was crucified for our offenses and rose again from the dead to show us the way out. Muslims believe that Muhammad redeemed Islam from previous rulers who abused their power. Jews believe that Moses redeemed Israel from Egypt's slavery. Each day we hear stories about people who have been redeemed from poverty, addiction, illness, and even death. As you can see, it has many meanings: salvation, forgiveness of sins, recovery, restoration. All of these things go together because salvation without forgiveness of sins cannot be complete.