The phrase “you were bought with a price” appears twice in the New Testament – in 1 Corinthians 6:20 and 7:23. In both instances, the apostle Paul is reminding believers that they belong to God, having been purchased by the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Here is a detailed explanation of the meaning behind this important biblical truth.
The Price That Was Paid
In 1 Corinthians 6:20 and 7:23, Paul states that we as believers were “bought with a price.” This is a reference to the supreme price paid for our salvation – the blood of Jesus Christ. When Jesus went to the cross, He laid down His life as a ransom sacrifice to purchase our freedom from sin and death (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45).
Though we were enslaved to sin and destined for death, Christ’s sacrificial death on our behalf allowed us to be redeemed – bought back from sin and hell. As Peter states, “You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19).
The price that was paid to purchase our salvation was infinite – the very life of the Son of God. This underscores the immeasurable value that God places on us. In God’s eyes, we are worth the highest possible price.
We Belong to God
Since God paid such a high price for our salvation, Paul reminds us that we no longer belong to ourselves. Rather, we belong to God. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes, “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
The basis for Paul’s admonition here is that, as redeemed people, our lives are not our own. God has purchased us out of slavery to sin, and we now belong to Him. We are His special possession. Paul uses this truth to encourage sexual purity in the Corinthian church. Because we belong to God, we should glorify Him with our bodies.
Paul makes the same point in 1 Corinthians 7:23. Speaking about slaves, he writes, “You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.” Though the slaves had human masters, their ultimate Master was God Himself. Since He purchased them with the blood of Christ, they were to live as His devoted servants.
These passages teach us that, as Christians, our lives are not our own. We were purchased by God through Jesus’ sacrifice, and so we belong to Him. This should motivate us to pursue holiness and faithful obedience out of love for the God who redeemed us. As Paul writes elsewhere, “He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Corinthians 5:15).
Implications for the Christian Life
The truth that we were bought with a price should impact how we live on a daily basis. Here are some key implications:
1. We should glorify God with our bodies and lives. Since God paid so highly to purchase us, we should honor Him with how we use our bodies, talents, time, resources, etc. As those bought by Christ, our purpose is to glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:20).
2. We should not become enslaved to anything in this world. As 1 Corinthians 7:23 states, we should not become slaves to men – either to their opinions, their work, or their sinful practices. Our Master is God alone.
3. We shoulddevelop an attitude of devotion and service toward God. As God’s possession, we are called to obey, worship, and serve Him wholeheartedly, holding nothing back (Romans 12:1-2). We belong to Him.
4. We should recognize that our lives have eternal significance. Since we have been so highly valued by God, He has an eternal purpose for each of our lives (Ephesians 2:10). Even the mundane has cosmic significance when done for God’s glory.
5. We should live in continual gratitude for the price paid. Never should we take for granted the “inestimable riches” of Christ shed for us (Ephesians 1:7-8). Remembering the high price of our redemption should lead to constant thankfulness and praise.
6. We should find our identity and security in Christ. Knowing we have been bought by God should give us confidence, courage, and boldness to live for Him (Ephesians 1:7). Our worth is founded on the infinite price He paid, not our works.
7. We should reflect Christ in our relationships. Since God purchased us, we are called to follow Christ’s model of self-sacrificial love and service toward others (Philippians 2:1-11). We mirror the Master who gave His life for us.
8. We should flee from sexual immorality. Paul specifically applies this truth in the context of sexual purity (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Since we belong to God, we should honor Him with our sexuality and flee sexual sin.
Our lives take on a new purpose, meaning, and direction when we grasp the amazing truth that God purchased us with the precious blood of His Son. As redeemed people, we live no longer for self, but for the glory of the One who paid such a high price to call us His own. This truth transforms everything about how we live each day.
Common Questions about Being Bought With a Price
This profound biblical theme often raises questions for believers. Here are responses to some common queries:
1. Doesn’t this teaching mean God owns us as His slaves?
No. While God does possess us as those He purchased, we are not unwilling slaves trapped in bondage. Rather, as believers we willingly and joyfully belong to Jesus, recognizing this is the pathway to freedom from sin and death (Romans 6:15-23). God purchases us out of gracious love, not a desire to exploit.
2. Doesn’t God owning us diminish human freedom?
Quite the contrary. Our freedom is actually enhanced when we belong to God. In giving ourselves fully to Christ, we are freed from slavery to sin, fear, pride, greed – everything that restricts true liberty. As our Redeemer, God gives us freedom to live as we were designed (John 8:32-36).
3. Is it healthy for our identity to be so tied to Christ?
Absolutely. As humans we all look for identity somewhere. But when our identity is founded on God’s infinite love displayed in the cross, we find unshakable purpose and worth. Any other identity will ultimately disappoint. So grounding our identity in Christ is the pathway to freedom and joy.
4. What if I still sometimes feel like I belong to myself, not God?
While this spiritual truth is positionally true for all believers, our experience of it will vary. That’s why Paul reminds Christians of their purchased status. Through submitting our thoughts, behaviors, and attitudes to God each day, we grow in understanding what it means to live as fully devoted followers of Jesus.
5. Does God purchasing me mean I have no responsibility to respond?
No. While salvation is a free gift (Ephesians 2:8-9), God calls us to actively repent and place our faith in Christ, not merely intellectually affirm this truth (Mark 1:15). And after salvation, God desires us to grow continually in obedient love through the Spirit’s empowering (Philippians 2:12-13). Our response matters greatly, even as God gets all glory.
Conclusion
The biblical truth that believers have been “bought with a price” through the shed blood of Jesus is profoundly life-altering. This powerful phrase occurs in Paul’s letters to remind Christians that we have been purchased by God through Christ’s sacrifice and therefore belong to Him. We are His treasured possession. This truth should spur us on to live for God’s glory in all we do. Our lives take on new meaning, purpose, courage and direction when we embrace the remarkable privilege of being bought by our Redeemer.
