Q.
Scripture says that we are redeemed with the precious blood of Christ (1Peter 1:18,19). Why is Christ’s blood said to be precious? What makes His blood precious? How could understanding this inspire us in our faith and walk in Him?
Thank you, Eric
A.
Hello Eric,
Thanks for your thoughtful question. Let’s first look at the verses you mentioned:
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19).
The word precious means: objectively, that which is costly, of great price; subjectively, that which is honored, esteemed; figuratively, that which is dear, reputable. It is used in the New Testament to describe precious or costly stones (1 Cor. 3:12; Rev. 21:11, 19), precious promises (2 Pet. 1:4), and, among other applications, precious blood in our text.
The context helps us see the valuation inherent in the word precious when it refers to “the blood of Christ” by further stating “as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” The emphasis is sinless blood. This is valued as far greater than even silver and gold, which is corruptible. The precious blood of Christ is incorruptible.
On the cross Jesus bore the conglomerate sins of the Adamic race (Is. 53:6; 1 Pet. 2:24). Jesus was made to be sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21). Yet, He Himself was sinless. As such, He is our substitute. Jesus, innocent, but sacrificed for the guilty.
Leviticus tells us “the life of the flesh is in the blood” (Lev. 17:11). When Jesus poured out His blood, He poured out His life—sinless life—in death that we might have life. Yes, the blood of Christ is precious blood!
This precious blood was the costly price of redemption. “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:14).
May we with gratitude ever praise God for the blood of Jesus that is the provision for both the forgiveness of sins in salvation (Col. 1:14) and cleansing from sin in revival (1 John 1:7).
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