1 Peter 1:18–20
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;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
Our text reminds us that we were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish and without spot.
From before the world began, it was ordained that Jesus would shed His blood as the perfect sacrifice for the sin debt of every person. Salvation has always depended on the shed blood of Jesus. This truth was as relevant in Peter’s time as it is today.
The gospel has never changed. The saints of old looked forward to a coming sacrifice, while today, we look back to the cross where Jesus gave His life so that we could be saved. Let’s take a quick look at the scriptures concerning the gospel and see that it is the same gospel:
Adam and Eve: God provided the skins of an innocent animal to cover their sin.
Genesis 3:21
Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
Abel’s Sacrifice: Abel’s blood sacrifice was accepted by God, while Cain’s offering was rejected.
Genesis 4:3–5
3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.
4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
Noah: Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8).
Genesis 6:8
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
Abraham: Abraham was saved by grace through faith, and it was counted to him for righteousness.
Romans 4:3
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
The Passover: A picture of Messiah and His shed blood, protecting the Israelites from the plague.
Exodus 12:13
And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.
Today: We are saved by grace through faith, not by works.
Ephesians 2:8–9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Revelation: The redeemed sing a new song, praising Jesus for His sacrifice (Revelation 5:9).
Revelation 5:9
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Salvation has always been by grace through faith and always will be. It’s the same gospel, unchanged and eternal.