"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." - 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV)
His precious blood was spilled for me and for you. He was perfect and blameless. He chose to pursue us in our sin and bring us out of a life without hope. What a Savior!
Peter goes on to say in verse 23 “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”
There’s that word again: imperishable.
It’s the precious blood of Jesus that is imperishable. It’s God’s living word. It’s who He is and what He does.
There was a time when my faith and hope were based on Christ’s work in theory. But, in practice, my hope was shakily resting on the perishable. Namely, my good works and my self-righteousness. But those strivings were powerless to give me new birth in Christ.
I love these lines in the song In Christ Alone: “What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My comforter, my all in all. Here in the love of Christ I stand.”
True hope is found in His love, His sacrifice, His grace, and not ever our own efforts or our perceived earned favor with God.
We can strive all we want, but then where’s our hope? Let’s set our hope on the His grace fully today (1 Peter 1:13).
He has grace for our sin, grace for our brokenness, and grace for our self-righteousness. And His kindness leads us to repentance.
Spiritual Practice: Confession. Before bed tonight or first thing in the morning, take a posture of repentance. This could be kneeling or palms open. Confess to the Holy Spirit that you have sinned and are in need of God’s grace. Confess your disobedience or even your self-righteousness. Receive His forgiveness and grace. Ask Him to set you apart for holy living in humble response to Jesus’ sacrifice, not in pursuit of your own righteousness. Take it a step further and listen to this song: “O Come to The Altar” by Elevation Worship.
Going Deeper (9/25/22)
"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." - 1 Peter 1:18-19 (NIV)
His precious blood was spilled for me and for you. He was perfect and blameless. He chose to pursue us in our sin and bring us out of a life without hope. What a Savior!
Peter goes on to say in verse 23 “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”
There’s that word again: imperishable.
It’s the precious blood of Jesus that is imperishable. It’s God’s living word. It’s who He is and what He does.
There was a time when my faith and hope were based on Christ’s work in theory. But, in practice, my hope was shakily resting on the perishable. Namely, my good works and my self-righteousness. But those strivings were powerless to give me new birth in Christ.
I love these lines in the song In Christ Alone: “What heights of love, what depths of peace, when fears are stilled, when strivings cease. My comforter, my all in all. Here in the love of Christ I stand.”
True hope is found in His love, His sacrifice, His grace, and not ever our own efforts or our perceived earned favor with God.
We can strive all we want, but then where’s our hope? Let’s set our hope on the His grace fully today (1 Peter 1:13).
He has grace for our sin, grace for our brokenness, and grace for our self-righteousness. And His kindness leads us to repentance.
Spiritual Practice: Confession. Before bed tonight or first thing in the morning, take a posture of repentance. This could be kneeling or palms open. Confess to the Holy Spirit that you have sinned and are in need of God’s grace. Confess your disobedience or even your self-righteousness. Receive His forgiveness and grace. Ask Him to set you apart for holy living in humble response to Jesus’ sacrifice, not in pursuit of your own righteousness. Take it a step further and listen to this song: “O Come to The Altar” by Elevation Worship.
By: Ellen Rosenberger