Do people today rely on tradition for salvation like the Jews did?
Yes. People today are steeped in the traditions of the fathers and assume they will make it, just as the Jews were. Scripture says such tradition cannot redeem anyone; redemption comes only by the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish and without spot.
Les explains that 1 Peter 1:18 speaks of believers not being redeemed with silver and gold from their vain conversation, or manner of living, received by tradition. He notes that people often think of the Jews as steeped in tradition, but people today are no different: they are steeped in the tradition of the fathers and think they are going to make it. Les emphasizes that tradition is not going to make anybody make it, and sometimes traditions must be broken in order to come to the truth of Scripture. Peter then contrasts this in verse 19: redemption is by the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. Les then turns to what Paul says about the same Word in Romans chapter 3.