The Ransom Paid

1 Peter 1:17-19  These verses are primarily a call to consider how we live as children of God. The word 'fear' is used to describe the careful thought process we need to employ while evaluating our own life.

What Peter is asking the follower of Christ to do is to weigh out the value of their thankfulness (your service) in relation to the cost of their salvation. He is not asking us to weigh our 'works' in an expectation to gain salvation or superior privilege, but rather as an offering of thankfulness for our salvation.

Notice the high value of the ransom paid (18,19). It was not with silver and gold which perish, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish or spot.  Let's think about the ransom price. It was imperishable. Although this is not stated, it is implied by the use of the words perishable in the case of 'silver and gold', and the use of the word 'but' in relation to Jesus' blood. It has ongoing value. The writer of Hebrews points this out (Heb.9:11-14).  Jesus entered the holy places 'once for all' 'securing an eternal redemption'. By comparing the qualities of the sacrificial lamb (without blemish and spot implied perfect) to Jesus, we know his blood exceeded any offered before or after him. Hebrews says He entered once, for all. This is precious blood! Peter's challenge then, is to consider our lives; do we live with that value in mind?

Pastor Paul