By Gary Tonn

In 1 Peter 1:18-21, the Apostle Peter writes: "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. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

The word "redeemed" literally means "to set free by paying the price." That is what Jesus Christ has done for us. When there was absolutely nothing we could do to save ourselves, Jesus Christ has set us free from our slavery to Satan, sin, death and the grave. It would be one thing if Jesus redeemed us with perishable things such as silver and gold. But he redeemed us with his precious life blood. And who can put a price tag on that?

In the book That They Might Have Life, Edward Rogers says that we should never talk about the cross without proclaiming the victory of the empty tomb.

We cannot separate the one from the other for both are the world of Almighty God. Both are necessary for our redemption. By his death, Jesus Christ has paid for our sins in full, and by his resurrection, he has conquered all the forces of darkness and hell. We do not worship a dead hero, but a risen savior.

That is why the Apostle Peter begins his letter with these words, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..."

Praise God!

Editor's note: to read earlier devotionals, please see: