What does "bought at a price" in 1 Corinthians 6:20 signify for believers? The Phrase in Context “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) The Price Paid—Christ’s Sacrifice • The word “price” (Greek timē) points to a definite, measurable cost. • Scripture identifies that cost as the blood of Jesus: • “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) • “Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.” (Acts 20:28) • “With Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue.” (Revelation 5:9) • The transaction is literal; the cross is the marketplace where the purchase was finalized. What the Purchase Accomplishes 1. Redemption from slavery to sin • “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law.” (Galatians 3:13) • We are transferred from bondage to freedom, yet now belong to Christ. 2. Forgiveness and cleansing • “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.” (Ephesians 1:7) 3. Adoption and new identity • “You are no longer a slave but a son.” (Galatians 4:7) • Ownership by God means full family status with rights and responsibilities. Implications for Personal Holiness • Because the body is purchased, purity matters: • Avoid sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18). • Pursue sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4). • The Spirit indwells what God now owns; defilement insults the Owner. Implications for Stewardship of the Body • Care for health, habits, and disciplines honors the Purchaser. • Use physical abilities in service—labor, worship, hospitality, generosity. • Avoid substances and practices that enslave or degrade. Implications for Community Life • Each believer is equally purchased; no hierarchy of value. • Mutual honor flows from shared redemption (Romans 12:10). • Division, gossip, and exploitation violate the purchase agreement. Living in Light of the Price • Remember daily: I am not my own. • Measure choices by one question: Does this glorify the One who bought me? • Embrace grateful obedience—the only fitting response to so costly a love. |
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