First Peter 1:18-21
To be redeemed means to be bought back. When Adam rebelled against God, he virtually sold the human race into sin. During the times of the Old Testament, God demonstrated to His people the seriousness of their sin and situation by detailing the requirements for sacrifices and offerings.
1. Did these Old Testament sacrifices redeem the people of God from their sin? (Heb. 10:4)
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The purpose of Old Testament sacrifices was to constantly remind God’s people that they needed redeeming (Heb. 10:3).
2. The picture of God’s redemption is graphically portrayed in the Exodus. Note some of the igredients of God’s redemption for Israel (Ex. 6:6). Fill in the blanks-
Israel were _ _ _ _ _ _ (typical of our bondage to this world’s system of sin). They were in the land of _ _ _ _ _ (typical of Satan’s domain). After their redemption they would no longer be Egypt’s property but the _ _ _ _’ _.
The Law Could Not Redeem
If the Law could not redeem us, then what was its purpose? During the centre of the Reformation in Germany, Martin Luther was aggressively arguing that the purpose of the Law was not, and never was, a part of man’s salvation. The basis of Luther’s argument was Paul’s teaching in Romans 7.
3. Note Romans 7:7, 13. This was the basis of Luther’s argument. Can we see how Luther might have defined the purpose of the Law?
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While the Old Testament Law plays a far less role in day-to-day living in our modern culture, a related attitude still prevails. This attitude is redemption by works. The belief that redemption could be earned by good works is a hang-over from the days of the Law. It still prevails today because mankind doesn’t like to receive something for nothing. We always feel an obligation to pay for something we receive, or at least return the favour.
4. What is not the basis of redemption according to Ephesians 2:8-9?
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5. What is the basis of our redemption according to Romans 3:24?
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6. When Christ redeemed us, what privilege did we also receive? (Gal. 4:5)
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We are no longer our own. We have been bought by God through Christ. We are now His slaves. Someone has once said that there is no freedom like the freedom experienced in being a slave of Christ.
The Blood Of Jesus
The Old Testament sacrifices and offerings could not redeem anyone. They were still treated as holy, divinely appointed ceremonies that pointed to the sacrifice of Christ. They were shadows of the Sacrifice to come. During the times of the Old Testament sacrifices, God revealed the true nature of blood.
7. Why was blood so important according to Leviticus 17:11?
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A person’s life is dependent on their blood. Perhaps it is the natural equivalent of our spiritual life (James 2:26). When Jesus shed His blood on the cross, He was literally giving up His life.
8. Note the relationship between Christ’s blood and our redemption. What is the relationship?
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The highest day in the religious calendar of the Hebrews was the day of atonement. This was where one goat was slain, while another goat was released. The highest religious festival involving all the Hebrew people was the Passover. This feast involved a lamb, without blemish or defect, being sacrificed, then roasted, then eaten. This lamb typified Christ. Thus John the Baptist announced Jesus to the waiting crowds as Behold the Lamb of God. Peter also calls Jesus the Lamb of God.
God’s Original (Only)
Plan of Salvation
Christ is referred to as being chosen before the creation of the world. The New Testament makes it very clear that Christ was God’s original plan of salvation.
9. When did God decide to save His people? (Ephesians 1:4)
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10. When God decide to provide His Son for our salvation? (1 Peter 1:20)
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Thus the system of animal sacrifices under the Old Covenant was a shadow of the salvation to come. God has always required faith and obedience. The Old Covenant sacrifices required this. The main difference between the faith of the Old Covenant and the New, is that the faith required under the Law was anticipatory faith, while under the New it is commemorative faith. Our confidence in Christ’s redemption of us is justified by His resurrection which sealed our redemption and gave us a sure hope.
Amen.
© 2001 Andrew Corbett, Legana, Tasmania