1 Peter 1:18 KJV
[18] “forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;”
Creation was great, but the work of redemption was greater! The Creation was spoken into existence by the Word of God, but redemption required the blood of the only begotten Son of God. It is a fact that it cost more to redeem man than it did to make him. Redeem means “to purchase back by payment of ransom.” What a blessing it is to know that we are redeemed!
We should never get over being redeemed because of the price God paid for our redemption. We are reminded in this verse that corruptible things did not purchase us. There was no earthly possession that could redeem us. There are no rare diamonds, pure gold, or rubies fair enough to buy back one soul, let alone every soul that has come into this world.
Redemption would require a price much more precious than the corruptible things of this earth. Silver and gold are precious commodities to man, but as precious as they may be, they are not as valuable as one soul. The soul of man is far more valuable because God gave man a soul when he breathed into Adam. We have the breath of life! What a gift it is to be alive!
Some men have spent their entire lives chasing silver and gold. They have sold out their souls for these two metals, gaining much of it in their lifetime. But, when it comes time to die, all of the silver and gold they possess will not be able to buy them one more breath because they have no redeeming value.
The traditions of men cannot redeem mankind. I think about all of the different religions in the world today that have been made by man. They try to ease their consciences by walking in their traditions, but the result is emptiness. They search for peace through rituals and sacrifice, thinking it will buy them entrance into heaven. The tragedy is that many believe so dogmatically in their false religion that you cannot persuade them. The truth is that the traditions of men cannot redeem us.
Our next verse and devotional reveal the only person who has the power to redeem us. If you are a believer, you already know what it took for your redemption. No matter how bad a day or week may seem, as a believer, you start and end each day redeemed! That is enough truth to shout about!