February 26 – Redeemed by the Blood of Christ

"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; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." (1 Peter 1:18-19, KJV)

"Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s." (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, KJV)

Will you return to God what He has purchased at the cost of His own blood? Will you dedicate your reasoning faculties to His glory? They belong to Him, for He has redeemed them at a great price. Will you enter Christ’s school to have your conscience enlightened so that it may become a faithful guardian over the highest interests of life?

Christ has bought your affections—will you waste or corrupt them? Will you place them on unworthy things, making idols of earthly relationships and possessions rather than setting your love on the Creator? Or will your affections be purified, elevated, and devoted entirely to the One who gave His life to redeem you?

God will not share His throne with another. He must reign alone in your heart. Every rival that claims your affections must be cast down, for the Lord requires full surrender. Christ has purchased you, and you are His treasured possession. What an honor it is to be co-workers with Him! Take up His yoke and walk with God daily.

How can we do this? By taking hold of the help He has provided. The Lord has given this promise:

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Matthew 7:7, KJV)

God has bought us, and He calls for His throne to be established in our hearts. Our minds and bodies must be surrendered to Him, and our natural habits and desires must be brought under the highest principles of life. Yet, we cannot accomplish this on our own. We cannot safely trust in our own strength. We need the renewing and sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. In the service of God, there can be no half-hearted commitment.