Studies from 1 Peter: -7
Our Redemption – A motivating factor. 1 Peter 1:18—21
“Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”
In the preceding verses He spoke of a believer’s responsibility to live in holiness, fear of God and in the full hope of Christ’s coming. Now Peter presents the truths that should motivate a Christian to live such a life. Earlier also he referred to some of the aspects of salvation that should inspire a Christian to face difficult situations in life. Now the writer takes up another aspect of God’s great work of salvation – our redemption. He refers to three things:-
- The cost of redemption. V. 18
Jews knew at least four kinds of redemption and the cost of it.
- Redemption from Egypt. Exodus 12:21; 13:1, 13
- Cost: - a lamb for each family.
- Redemption money for each censes. Exo. 30:11
- Cost: - half a shekel silver per head.
- Redemption of Jew who sold himself. Lev 25: 25, 48, 49.
- Cost: - full payment by the nearest kinsman.
- Redemption of soul. Psalm 49:7, 8. (from death)
- Cost: - Impossible!
Peter could be remembering all these different kinds of redemptions but focusing on the last. Christ has redeemed our soul from bondage of tradition. “aimless conduct”. However solemn and expensive it may be, an unbeliever’s efforts are waste and worthless. That is an empty way of life. Sad many are bound to such empty tradition. Scripture refers to some other bondage too.
----bondage to decay / grave. Psalm 47: 7, 8
----bondage to sin. Romans 6:17; 7:14.
----bondage to law. Galatians 3:13; 4:4
----bondage to self and Satan.
We have been redeemed from all such bondages. He has paid the full ransom prize and set us free. We don’t need to be under the bondage again.
What is the cost?
Not silver or gold as in the Old Testament - The precious blood of Christ. “as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” He did no sin, knew no sin, and in Him there was no sin. Yet He shed His blood, for it was necessary to procure our deliverance. Such high cost of our redemption should inspire us to live a holy and God-fearing life.
- The plan of redemption. V. 20.
“He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world”
The redemptive work of Christ was not just an accident. It was the result of God’s eternal program. Not only God planned it before even sin entered or we ever came under bondage, God faithfully accomplished His purposes at the right time. If He has been so faithful to us in redeeming us, shall we not be faithful to Him by living a life that is pleasing to God.
- The benefits of our redemptive work. V. 21
“through Him …….…. so that your faith and hope are in God.”
Peter wants us to consider the benefits of redemption. Through Him we have our faith and hope in God. No we are not under the bondage, we are free. Sin, self or Satan has no dominion over us. Cf. Rom 6:22; 7:24. Experiencing freedom is more than explaining it. We can triumphantly declare “If God is for us who can be against us”. But we should never allow any thing to enslave us again. Romans 6:12. Such enjoyment of freedom in Christ should force us to be obedient and separated to Christ. He has redeemed us to be His own. He doesn’t force us to be a bond slave to Him, but free yet in love and loyalty yielded to Him. Romans 6:22
Conclusion:-
Consider our redemption from bondage, Think of the cost, the faithful execution of its plan and the fruit of it. Consideration of these three things about our redemption should encourage us to be faithful and obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ.
