1 Peter 1:17-21 And if you call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work… Precious blood indeed! who can estimate its value! the more it is known the higher it rises in the estimation of those who are acquainted with it. And yet it is neglected and despised by the generality of mankind. Trifles light as air are preferred before it. I. WHY IS IT PRECIOUS? 1. Consider whose blood it is. "The blood of Christ," the blood of our elder Brother, of a Friend, of a Prophet, Priest, and King — the blood of our incarnate God (Acts 20:28). 2. Regard it as the evidence of infinite love. For whom was it shed? The Messiah was cut off, but not for Himself. "He was wounded for our transgressions" (Isaiah 53:5). As the apostle argues (Romans 5:6-10). 3. Yet more precious will it appear if we notice the miseries from which it frees us — and the unspeakable blessings it has purchased for us. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7). "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:5, 6). "They who were sometimes far off are brought nigh by the blood of Christ" (Ephesians 2:13). "Having made peace through the blood of His Cross" (Colossians 1:20). "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God" (Romans 3:20-26; 1 John 2:1, 2; Hebrews 9:11-18). Can a man realise these blessings and live in the habitual enjoyment of them; and bear in mind the price paid to procure them, and not feel the preciousness of the blood of Christ? 4. It is precious as affording an all-prevailing plea in our petitions at the throne of grace — and an universal antidote to the temptations of Satan and unbelief. 5. The efficacy of this blood enhances its preciousness. "Jesus by His one oblation of Himself once offered has made a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world." "Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world" (John 1:29). Who can comprehend the value of such a ransom! 6. The perpetuity of blessedness which it ensures. Whom it blesses it blesses forever. Jesus by His own offering hath perfected forever them that are sanctified (Hebrews 10:14). II. TO WHOM THIS BLOOD IS PRECIOUS. Would to God that I could say it is so to all! but alas! this is not the case. Neither is it true of the many. The great majority "count the blood of the covenant wherewith they are sanctified an unholy thing" (Hebrews 10:29). And will you not commemorate the shedding of that blood? (R. Simpson, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: |
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