Reading: 1 Peter 1:13–21
You inherited corruption and death from your forefather Adam, so that all your ways were futile. You were enslaved to sinful passions, ignorant of freedom from Satan’s power. God’s righteous command, “Be holy, for I am holy,” was terrifying, for you knew that your impartial judge would condemn your unholy conduct.
But before the foundation of the world, God loved you. He revealed His grace through His Son Jesus Christ, who ransomed you with His own blood, a payment more precious than the costliest metal. Slaughtered like a spotless Passover lamb, Christ purchased your life with His life.
Now you need not be terrified before God, because you believe through Him who baptized you into new life. Now He invites you to call on Him as your loving Father in prayer. He sets you free from terror, so that you may serve Him in reverent obedience, as loving children. In His sight, your conduct is now truly holy. Although you still sojourn in exile through this vale of tears, you are kept by God in faith and hope, trusting that He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also raise you to eternal glory.
Prayer
O God our righteous judge, we are not holy as You are holy. Receive us as dear children through the ransom of the precious blood of Your Son, who gave His life as a lamb without blemish, that we may call You Father and serve You as obedient children; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hymn
Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice,
With exultation springing,
And with united heart and voice
And holy rapture singing,
Proclaim the wonders God has done,
How His right arm the vict’ry won.
What price our ransom cost Him! (LSB 556:1)
Peter Wagner (Sem I, CTSFW)