The book of 1 Peter opens with Peter's audience. He is writing to a scattered group of chosen believers that have come under persecution. These are people that no longer resided in their former places of birth or common place of residence. No doubt they were discouraged, downcast, and sorrowful.
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, [a]to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace [b]be yours in the fullest measure.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
This section of scripture is a prayer of Peter; praising God for his work in the salvation of his people. It reminds believers that God is the one that: Chooses, sanctifies, causes new birth, gives believers an inheritance in his son, places this inheritance of salvation in heaven, and guards us with faith for future final salvation.
I cannot help but see how involved God is in the salvation of His people. There are no active roles played by the saved sinner in their salvation, God is doing everything. If you are a believer in Christ it is not your doing - it pleased God to save you.
God has called people for himself and he preserves them to the end because he determined it from the beginning. This section of scripture is humiliating for my proud heart, but God humbles me so I can see his immense glory. I hope this section of scripture is as much of an encouragement to you as it is to me.
photo by: Toni Verdú Carbó
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