NOR SILVER NOR GOLD

        Most of us have at one time in our lives wished that we had more money so that we could purchase expensive things that we wish for ... a more expensive home, a better car, an elaborate vacation, a large retirement fund ... things that we often dream about.  But unless we get a large inheritance, win the lottery, get a major promotion or go deeper into debt , we will probably never be able to afford all of our dreams.  But all the money (gold and silver) in the world could never purchase the most important thing in life - eternal life in heaven.  None of our expensive toys will ever gain us entrance into God's home in heaven. "Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold … but with the precious blood of Christ." 1 Peter 1:18–19.  Our eternal salvation cannot be bought with money, or with good works, or with church membership or rituals either. In fact, it was already paid for at Calvary. Now, it's a free gift of God, received by faith in our Saviour and what He did for us on the cross (Jn. 3:16). The purchase price was neither silver nor gold, but what the Apostle Peter calls "the precious [esteemed, as of great price] blood of Christ."  And this is the truth that James M. Gray (1851-1935) shared when he penned this song in 1900 while he served as a teacher in the summer sessions of Moody Bible Institute, in Chicago. Gray accepted Christ at age 22.  In 1879 he became Rector of the First Reformed Episcopal Church in Boston where he served 14 years. He then became dean (1904-25) and president (1925-34) of the Moody Bible Institute, and directed publication of four editions (1921-28) of the Voice of Thanksgiving, official hymnal of the Institute.  A conservative theologian, Gray was one of seven editors of the popular Scofield Reference Bible.   In this hymn he shares several things that have been dealt with through faith in the shed blood of Christ.  It paid the debt we owed and purchased us out of the slave market of sin. It also solved the problem of our guilt, removed the barrier to our access to God, and provided an eternal future in heaven for us.  And none of these things could be purchased with all of the money in this world.  It is a gift to those who believe, no matter how rich or poor they may be.  May we always remember that we are "Bought with a price - the blood of Jesus, precious price of love untold."

1     Nor silver nor gold hath obtained my redemption,

Nor riches of earth could have saved my poor soul;

The blood of the cross is my only foundation,

The death of my Savior now maketh me whole.

Chorus:

I am redeemed, but not with silver;

I am bought, but not with gold;

Bought with a price - the blood of Jesus,

Precious price of love untold.

2     Nor silver nor gold hath obtained my redemption,

The guilt on my conscience too heavy had grown;

The blood of the cross is my only foundation,

The death of my Savior could only atone. 

Chorus:

I am redeemed, but not with silver;

I am bought, but not with gold;

Bought with a price - the blood of Jesus,

Precious price of love untold.

3     Nor silver nor gold hath obtained my redemption,

The holy commandment forbade me draw near;

The blood of the cross is my only foundation,

The death of my Savior removeth my fear. 

Chorus:

I am redeemed, but not with silver;

I am bought, but not with gold;

Bought with a price - the blood of Jesus,

Precious price of love untold.

4     Nor silver nor gold hath obtained my redemption,

The way into heaven could not thus be bought;

The blood of the cross is my only foundation,

The death of my Savior redemption hath wrought. 

Chorus:

I am redeemed, but not with silver;

I am bought, but not with gold;

Bought with a price - the blood of Jesus,

Precious price of love untold.

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