Spurgeon Morning and Evening April 16 AM

Biblical Context

The Apostle Peter, an eyewitness to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, wrote this letter to scattered believers—exiles—in various regions of Asia Minor. These early Christians faced hardship, persecution, and the struggles of living out their faith in a hostile world. Peter wrote to encourage them, reminding them of the incredible hope they had in Christ and the sure foundation of their salvation. He often called them to live a holy life, reflecting the character of God who had called them. In this letter, he sets Jesus Christ, and specifically His saving work, as the central truth that gives these believers strength, purpose, and a reason to stand firm. He wants them to remember the immense cost of their salvation, which isn’t just a casual idea but a truth that changes everything about their lives.

Key Word Study

Let’s look closely at the word “precious” in 1 Peter 1:19. In the original Greek, the word used is τίμιος (timios). This word means valuable, highly esteemed, honored, or costly. It’s used to describe something worth a lot, something that is held in great regard because of its inherent worth or the great price paid for it. When Peter calls Christ’s blood “precious,” he’s not just using a nice adjective; he’s telling us it holds ultimate value, a price beyond anything we can imagine, far exceeding gold or silver.

The Blood’s Redeeming and Atoning Power

Standing at the foot of the cross, we see hands, and feet, and side, all distilling crimson streams of precious blood. This blood is “precious” because of its redeeming and atoning power. It’s through this blood that the sins of Christ’s people are paid for. You are redeemed from under the law, freed from its demands and its curse. Because of this blood, you are reconciled to God, made one with Him. There’s no longer a divide; you’re brought close, into a loving relationship.

The Blood’s Cleansing Power

Christ’s blood is also “precious” in its cleansing power; it “cleanseth from all sin.” The Bible tells us, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Think about that! Through Jesus’ blood, there is not a spot left upon any believer, no wrinkle nor any such thing remains. Oh, precious blood, which makes us clean, removing the stains of abundant wrong, and permitting us to stand accepted in the Beloved, notwithstanding the many ways in which we have gone against our God. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done; the blood cleans it all away.

The Blood’s Preserving Power

The blood of Christ is likewise “precious” in its preserving power. We are safe from the destroying angel under the sprinkled blood. Remember, it’s God’s seeing the blood which is the true reason for our being spared. Here is comfort for us when the eye of faith is dim, for God’s eye is still the same. You might not always feel strong in your faith, but God’s sight of the blood never changes, and that’s what keeps you safe.

The Blood’s Sanctifying Influence

The blood of Christ is “precious” also in its sanctifying influence. The same blood which justifies by taking away sin, does in its after-action, quicken the new nature and lead it onward to subdue sin and to follow out the commands of God. You’ll find there is no motive for holiness so great as that which streams from the veins of Jesus. It’s not just about getting clean; it’s about staying clean and living differently.

The Blood’s Overcoming Power

And “precious,” unspeakably precious, is this blood, because it has an overcoming power. It is written, “They overcame through the blood of the Lamb.” How could they do otherwise? He who fights with the precious blood of Jesus, fights with a weapon which cannot know defeat. The blood of Jesus! Sin dies at its presence, death ceases to be death: heaven’s gates are opened. The blood of Jesus! We shall march on, conquering and to conquer, so long as we can trust its power! You have everything you need to win every battle through this powerful blood.