How does 1 Peter 3:18 emphasize Christ's sacrifice for the unrighteous?

Key Verse

“For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)

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One Sacrifice—Once for All

• “suffered for sins once for all” points to a single, sufficient offering.

• Echoes Hebrews 10:10—“We have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

• Unlike repetitive Old-Covenant sacrifices (Hebrews 10:1–4), Christ’s death fully satisfied divine justice.

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The Righteous for the Unrighteous

• Jesus is “the righteous” (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 2:1).

• We are “the unrighteous” (Romans 3:10–12, 23).

• His substitutionary death fulfills Isaiah 53:5–6—“He was pierced for our transgressions…”

• Underscores grace: the perfectly holy One willingly takes the penalty deserved by the guilty.

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Atonement That Leads to God

• Purpose clause: “to bring you to God.”

• Romans 5:1–2: we now “have access by faith” through Christ.

• John 14:6: He is the only way; reconciliation is impossible apart from His cross.

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Death Conquered by Life

• “put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit” affirms both real death and real resurrection.

• 1 Corinthians 15:3–4—“Christ died for our sins…was buried…was raised on the third day.”

• Resurrection validates the sacrifice, guaranteeing justification (Romans 4:25).

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Living in the Light of His Sacrifice

• Confidence: no sin remains unpaid; “once for all” secures eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12).

• Gratitude: love compels obedience (2 Corinthians 5:14–15).

• Hope: resurrection power assures future glory (1 Peter 1:3–5).