Understanding 1 Peter 1:18-19 in Simple Terms
What Is Redemption by the Blood?
Imagine living a life that feels empty and goes nowhere—a way of living handed down from generations before us, full of old habits and meaninglessness. The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 1:18-19 that we don’t have to stay trapped in that kind of life. God has bought us out of it, not with money or anything that loses its value, but with something priceless: the blood of Jesus Christ. When Jesus, who was perfect and pure, suffered and gave His life, it was like paying the ultimate price to set every believer in free.
Why the Blood Is So Important
For Christians, being “redeemed by the blood” isn’t just a nice saying. It means that Jesus’ sacrifice does powerful things in our lives:
· Reconciliation: It brings us back into a friendly relationship with God.
· Cleansing: It washes away the guilt and shame of our past.
· Sanctification: It helps us become more like God, set apart for a special purpose.
· Union with God: It connects us closely to God, making us part of His family.
· Victory over Satan: It gives us strength to resist evil and temptation.
· New Life: It brings spiritual life that lasts forever.
All of these blessings are wrapped up in the idea of “redemption by the blood.” To fully experience these gifts, it’s important for believers to dig deeper into what Jesus’ sacrifice means—and let it change their lives.
Key Points from 1 Peter 1:18
· Redemption: Christians have been bought out of their old, empty way of living.
· Futility: The old life was pointless and empty, passed down from previous generations.
· Inherited: We didn’t come up with this old way on our own; it was handed to us.
· Not Paid with Money: God didn’t use things like gold or silver, which wear out. He used the most precious thing—Jesus’ blood.
Living in Light of the Sacrifice
Verse 19 makes the reason for all this clear: Jesus was perfect, without any fault, and His sacrifice is priceless. Because God paid such a high price, believers are encouraged to live lives that reflect that—choosing to leave behind empty traditions and harmful habits, and aiming for holiness.
Confidence and Reverence for God
Having faith in God as a loving Father and also respecting Him as a fair Judge go hand in hand. God keeps His promises and gives correction when needed, but He wants us to respect His holiness rather than live in fear. If we ignore God, we leave ourselves unprotected; if we despair, we miss out on the benefits God offers. The blood of Christ is the ultimate price paid for our freedom.
Letting Go of the Old Life
Just sticking with bad habits because “that’s how we’ve always done it” doesn’t make sense. God wanted to show us grace even before we understood it. Since Jesus came, we have even more help in our faith and more clarity about God’s love.
Becoming New
When we trust Jesus, we become united with Him. The hope is that where He is now—in glory—we’ll be with Him too. Our hearts need to be purified so we can let go of selfish desires. God’s message, planted in us by the Holy Spirit, completely changes us and gives us eternal life.
Closing Thoughts
On our own, people are like grass that grows and then withers away. But when we hold onto God’s word as our greatest treasure, we gain something lasting—a promise of glory with God forever. Let’s not let anything else replace this treasure in our hearts.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 