I thought that from here on out I would make the Scripture meditations on this site a bit more systematic. So, I will be looking at Peter’s letters here over the next few weeks. We’ll begin with first Peter, and I have to say that I was blessed by Peter’s presentation of the gospel this morning as I read 1 Peter 1:1-5

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with His blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

 

First, note that Peter is writing to those in the dispersion, those who have been facing trial and persecution. How does one address those who are suffering? With the gospel of course. I love how Peter integrates the reality of the gospel right away. He begins by calling them “elect exiles, according to the foreknowledge of God.” This immediately reminds them that their place in life is part of God’s plan and the outworking of the gospel in their lives. The gospel is relevant to every trial and situation we might face in life. In fact, when I was questioned by a church member about how I would deal with divisions and strife in the church my answer was “to preach the gospel.” Peter here is utilizing the same strategy, the gospel is always relevant, and always practical; its eternal realities overflow in everyday significance. Because of what God has done in eternity, we can live with security, unity and peace in the present.

Second, note the issue of sanctification and obedience addressed by Peter as a result of God’s foreknowledge and choice. “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ.” The present reality of the choice of God before the foundation of the world is our obedience. This is simply breathtaking, that God would chose to bring us back to life, and that the result would be that we can freely serve Christ. What is clear here is that the obedience does not cause the salvation or the choice of God, but that the choice of God and the Spirit’s work cause the obedience. Of course there is an element of human submission and choice, but ultimately it is God working through us.

Third, note the adjectives Peter uses concerning the inheritance. “Imperishable, undefiled, unfading, kept in heaven.” I’m not sure, but I think Peter is trying to teach them that their salvation is not in question. In other words, through faith in Christ, our future is built upon the rock; it is untouchable. This is a powerful and reassuring truth.

Fourth, and I will stop here even though there are hundreds of possible observations, note what Peter writes about faith. “who by God’s power are being guarded through faith.” I love how Peter is inspired here with his word choice and sentence structure. This shows us that faith is not something which we muster or manufacture on by our own power. Rather, our faith is actually God’s power made evident in our lives. In fact, this verse tells us that faith is one of the ways in which God protects us, and as we saw in the preceding verses, keeps our salvation unfading. This is why our salvation is untouchable, because our faith is the power of God.

Interesting, as I think about these verses I think about the Christians in Afghanistan who have been kidnapped. Indeed, at least two have been killed. You can read the story by clicking here. If the eternal reality of the gospel can overflow so powerfully in the lives of these Korean Christians, maybe we should ask what we should be doing in obedience to God - in faith - in our lives. Let’s rejoice about this salvation that Peter brings to our minds and explains so clearly.