“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed… but with the precious blood of Christ.” — 1 Peter 1:18–19 (NIV)
Introduction
Last week, we began reflecting on what it truly means to respond to the Risen Christ. From Luke 24:13–35 and Acts 2:14a, 36–41, we considered the first two responses every believer is called to make.
First, we looked at Recognition—discovering that Jesus walks beside us even when disappointment clouds our vision. Like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, we often fail to recognize His presence until He opens our eyes through His Word.
Secondly, we reflected on Realization—being “cut to the heart.” Peter’s message at Pentecost brought conviction to those who heard him, reminding us that conviction is not God’s way of condemning us but His loving invitation to repentance and restoration.
This week, we conclude by considering the final two responses to the Risen Christ: Redemption and Transformation.
3. Redemption: A Love That Paid the Highest Price
Peter reminds believers that they were “not redeemed with perishable things such as silver or gold…but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18–19).
These words reveal the immeasurable value God places on every human life. The value of anything is determined by the price someone is willing to pay for it. God looked upon humanity—not with rejection, but with compassion. He saw our brokenness, our weakness, and our inability to save ourselves. Yet He loved us so deeply that He gave His only Son.
The Cross is the greatest demonstration of God’s love.
Christ did not merely die for a crowd.
He died for you.
He died for me.
His precious blood assures us that no one is beyond God’s reach. No failure is too great, no past too dark, and no wound too deep for His healing grace.
Because Christ lives, forgiveness is available.
Because Christ lives, hope is alive.
Because Christ lives, new beginnings are possible.
Our redemption is not earned by our efforts; it is God’s gracious gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
4. Transformation: Living the New Life
The resurrection of Jesus Christ does more than secure our future in heaven—it transforms the way we live today.
Peter tells us that we have been “born again… through the living and enduring Word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). To be born again is to receive a new life, a new identity, and a new purpose in Christ.
Consider the lives of those who encountered the Risen Lord.
The disciples who walked away from Jerusalem discouraged returned with burning hearts and renewed purpose.
The frightened disciples became fearless witnesses.
The crowd at Pentecost became a community marked by worship, fellowship, generosity, and joy.
Everything changed because they encountered the living Christ.
The same transforming power is available to us today.
Christ changes:
- Fear into peace.
- Guilt into grace.
- Despair into hope.
- Weakness into strength.
- Isolation into fellowship.
- Death into life.
A genuine encounter with Jesus never leaves anyone unchanged. When Christ becomes Lord of our lives, our priorities, desires, attitudes, and purpose are transformed for His glory.
From Burning Hearts to “I Know”
One of the most beautiful expressions of resurrection faith is found in Methodist Hymn 235, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives.”
As we picture the two disciples returning joyfully to Jerusalem after recognizing Jesus, one can almost imagine them singing:
“He lives, all glory to His name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same;
O the sweet joy this sentence gives,
I know that my Redeemer lives!”
Their journey began with disappointment but ended in worship. They moved from saying, “We had hoped…” to confidently declaring, “I know!”
That is the testimony of every believer who has encountered the Risen Christ. We do not simply believe He once lived—we know He lives today. He continues to guide us, strengthen us, comfort us, intercede for us, and transform us by His Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
The Risen Christ still walks the roads of human life. He walks beside the discouraged, the confused, the brokenhearted, and those searching for hope.
His invitation remains the same:
Open your heart.
Receive His love.
Trust in His sacrifice.
Allow Him to transform your life.
Like the disciples at Emmaus, may our eyes be opened to recognize Him. Like the crowd at Pentecost, may our hearts be pierced by His truth. And may our lives continually proclaim the triumphant confession:
“I know that my Redeemer lives!”
Stay blessed!
Please note: The preaching programme on Sunny 88.7 FM (Tuesdays at 5:30 a.m.) has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us for our Radio Bible Study on Asempa 94.7 FM every Sunday at 5:30 a.m. and YFM 107.9 every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. Also, tune in to Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. for Hymns and Their Stories.
