This past week I was deeply encouraged by 1 Peter 1:16-19, which says,
"ince it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”
One portion of the text that I found particularly intriguing came in verses 18 and 19, where Peter appears to make a direct connection between the blood of Jesus and our ransom from our “futile ways.” Notably, Peter doesn’t just see Jesus’ work on the cross as something that has freed us from the penalty for our sin, but also from the power of our sin today. This is why Peter emphasizes that we as believers have been ransomed from our futile ways.
There is a common tendency to view the cross strictly through the lens of the salvation it promises us in heaven. However, Peter appears to suggest an effective connection between the sin conquering work of Jesus on the cross and the sin killing work of His people presently. To put it in theological terms, Jesus has not only accomplished our justification (by declaring us righteous), but has also empowered and assured our sanctification (by leading us in righteousness).
The reason I share this passage specifically with you today is because it encouraged and reminded me of the present victory I have over sin by the blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. As a church, let us be a people who are “holy, for God is holy,” by walking in the victory that Christ has purchased for us. He is a good King and He is walking with us and empowering us to live victorious Christian lives each day.
FROM THE STAFF—Colton Lee