First Peter One Eighteen-Twenty
Words Of Truth

Words Of Truth


"That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth..." (Proverbs 22:21).

First Peter 1:18-20
Redemption Through The Blood Of Christ Was The Plan All Along

I. Introduction:

A. Even of old, it was taught and known that redemption came from the Lord (Psalms 130:7, Isaiah 47:4, Isaiah 54:5, and Isaiah 63:16).

  1. However, the means by which redemption of old occurred was often through corruptible things (Numbers 3:40-51).
  2. There was not a sense, under the Old Law, that anyone was truly redeemed. We see that through the words of Zacharias after the birth of his son John (Luke 1:67-75).
B. So, what does the word “redeemed” mean? The Greek word in the text we are studying is “λυτρόω” which is defined as: “1) to release on receipt of ransom; 2) to redeem, liberate by payment of ransom; 2a) to liberate; 2b) to cause to be released to one’s self by payment of a ransom; 2c) to redeem; 2d) to deliver: from evils of every kind, internal and external” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon; Strong’s # 3084).

  1. Israel looked for the Messiah to bring redemption (Luke 24:13-27).
  2. Jesus was/is the redeemer (Titus 2:11-14).

II. Body: I Peter 1:18-20

A. Why do we need redemption?

  1. When you think about the need to be redeemed think about slavery (Leviticus 25:47-55).
  2. With Israel, they were redeemed from bondage in Egypt (Deuteronomy 7:8; 15:15).
  3. Later out of captivity (Isaiah 48:20, Jeremiah 15:21; 50:34, and Micah 4:10).
  4. However, all who have sinned are/were still under bondage (John 8:34).
  1. In general, slaves to sin (Romans 6:12-20).
  2. Both Jew and Gentile of the past (Romans 3:9).
  3. Israel, under the bondage of the Law of Moses (Galatians 3:13; 4:1-7), from which they could not be justified (Acts 13:38-39).
  4. There was no source of ransom under the Old Law that could bring about the remission of sins (Hebrews 10:1-4).
  1. Thus, we see pleas for redemption throughout the Prophets and Psalms (Psalms 44:26 and Isaiah 1:27).
B. Christians know that our redemption cannot come through wealth or other corruptible means (Psalms 49:6-13 and Hebrews 9:11-15).

  1. Redemption is in Christ (I Corinthians 1:30).
  2. For both Jews and Gentiles (Romans 3:24-30).
C. Redeemed from the vain conversation by the tradition of their fathers. Remember, the reputation of Gentiles in the past (I Thessalonians 4:5).

  1. A reputation of ignorance and sinful behavior (Ephesians 4:17-19).
  2. A people of idolatry (I Corinthians 12:2).
  3. As later reminded of in this letter (I Peter 4:3-5).
D. Christ, through His blood, was the spotless; without blemish sacrifice (I Peter 2:21-23 and I Peter 3:18).

  1. Such was the requirements even of old concerning a lamb to be offered (Leviticus 4:32 and Numbers 28:1-3).
  1. In the New Testament, without spot wasn’t a fleshly; physical factor (I Timothy 6:14, James 1:27, and II Peter 3:14).
  2. The same is true of being spotless (Ephesians 5:27).
  1. Knowing there was a costly price (Matthew 20:28, I Corinthians 6:20, and Colossians 1:12-14).
  2. Through His blood there is more than redemption (Acts 20:28, Colossians 1:20, Hebrews 13:12, Hebrews 13:20, Revelation 1:5, etc.).
E. The plan was before the foundation of the world (Titus 1:1-3).

  1. As we discussed earlier in this letter, it was the plan but was not known by those who wrote it (I Peter 1:10-12; cf. Romans 16:25-26).
  2. Again, this is just repeating the fact that God foreknew and planned a way to bring back those lost who want to be saved including Gentiles (Ephesians 3:5-11).
F. Made known in these last times; days (Hebrews 1:1-2).

  1. The first century began the last times (I John 2:18).
  2. We discussed this earlier in this chapter (I Peter 1:5).

III. Conclusion: Our next study: I Peter 1:21