1 Peter 1:17-21
If you call on the Father who judges impartially, according to the work of each person, conduct yourselves during the time of your pilgrimage in reverence, because you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, not with things that pass away, such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like a lamb without blemish or spot. He was chosen before the foundation of the world but revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him, you are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory so that your faith and hope are in God.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Forgive us all our sins, for Jesus’ sake. We cannot hide anything from you because you know everything we have done and judge everyone according to their actions; this is terrifying. You have made this part of people’s natural knowledge of you, our conscience. Cultures worldwide try to appease you in ways they have made up.
Yet in your Word, you reveal your plan of salvation; everyone who has faith in your Son has already been redeemed. Salvation was won by his suffering and death on the cross. By faith in your Son, we are saved of all our sins, so when you consider those who trust in Jesus, none of that emptiness is left; it has been removed because Christ redeemed us. His redemption does not mean we have a free pass to sin even more. Instead, out of love for what He has done, we should desire to turn away from those empty ways which lead to eternal destruction.
Peter reminded us of the high price you paid for our salvation, not with gold or silver but with something far more precious, the holy blood of your Son. This gift is for all who believe in you, trusting in your Son whom you raised from the dead. Jesus paid for all our sins, and his resurrection is our receipt for sins’ debt paid in full. As you said, through Peter, “Through him [Jesus], you are believers.”
We pray that You will give us an active faith that shares what we believe and salvation’s hope with those who do not know or trust in You; allow us to reveal Your love and Jesus’ forgiveness to them. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
While your salvation was bought at a high price, it cost you nothing; it comes to you by faith in your Savior; he has forgiven you all your sins.