May 6, 2009

Ransomed from a Futile Inheritence

I am reposting this study, because after listening to this powerfully accurate study on the doctrine of the Fear of the Lord, I decided to add some more references to my comment on 1 Peter 1:17.

"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,..."
(1 Peter 1:17-18 ESV).

In this cherished passage, the Apostle Peter tells us that if we consider God to be our own Father through His Son Jesus and by His Holy Spirit, then we are called to live a holy life and to conduct ourselves with exceeding fear (the word in Greek is phobo). The use of the word for fear contains in its Biblical context the meanings of reverence, awe, honor and respect as well (see 1 Peter 2:17; 3:2). 

IMPORTANT: Nevertheless, this word retains the important meaning of being in such dread that one trembles with fear (Psalm 2:11; Philippians 2:12). Such is the only adequate worship of the one Sovereign and Triune God (Revelation 14:7, 15:4).

We are called to have a deep, reverential respect and healthy fear of the God who has purchased us out from our old empty and vain ways, which we naturally inherit from our forefathers. The enslaving ways of lives lived apart from God.

"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." (1 Peter 1:19).

The price was valuable. Not just a high price (the highest), but the most valuable price that could be paid. Not because we are in any way worthy, but because God's perfect holiness and righteousness is worthy and must be vindicated (see Romans 3:25-26). We were purchased, redeemed, ransomed from sin, death and hell with the precious blood (the life) of Christ Jesus, the eternal Son of God!

God purchased people from the emptiness of a sinful and vain life, from the eternal torments of a deserved hell, and the judgment of His own justice by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. This is a reason, a real reason to live a set-apart life for God. Not being conformed to this world, but being transformed by the renewal of our minds. Then we will be able to test and discern what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God, our Father (see Romans 12:1-2).

"He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God." (1 Peter 1:20-21).

Salvation, redemption is all found in Christ. Notice that even our faith in God comes through the resurrection and glory of His Son. All glory, honor and thanks be to our Lord! Amen.

My friend, if you are not truly redeemed from an empty life of sin, then your eternity will be spent suffering the price for that sin. Hell is real, and so is the love of God that He would give His Son to purchase sinners from such horrible things. Do not wait another day, but go to the Lord Jesus in prayer immediately and seek to be found having a faith and hope that is in God through Him and a holy life to prove it.

None of your sins will be counted against you if Christ has paid for them and you trust in Him. Your life will be one that is ransomed from futility forever to serve and honor the God whom you may call "Father." Make sure this is your case and not the former.

Grace and peace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (Ephesians 6:24).

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