1 Peter 1:22-25

22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, 25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.

 

Devotional
Obedience to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ isn't just for Christians, it is what God commands of everyone (Rom 1:5-6). Yet not everyone will believe in and obey Jesus. Therefore what is written here is for us who believe, who by obeying the truth have purified our souls. Which must be distinguished from the purification of souls from our sins which only comes to us by the blood of Jesus Christ (and thus is a Work of God alone, ). And so here Peter is emphasizing the purification that comes to our souls when we obey the truth, and in this the Apostle Peter is emphasizing one primary commandment upon which all other commandments must be built on, and that is Jesus' greatest commandment to "love one another as I have loved you" (see John 13:34-35).  For when we obey the truth and love one another, all of God's commands take their proper place in our lives (see Romans 13:8-10). Indeed if we do not love each other, than all we have is religion! And as we have clearly seen, both in the Scriptures, and down through the many centuries of mans history, religion devoid of Divine love empowering it, is often only a destructive force, and not a redemptive one. Therefore we are to love one another "through the Spirit". For the Apostle Peter is here emphasizing that since we who believe are all born again by God's Spirit (vs 23) and thus we all have the fruit of the Spirit in us (Gal 5:22-23), we must all then obey the truth (and thus purify our souls) by walking in love towards each other. Which is not only a characteristic of the One true God, but also His Spirit (Gal 5:22-23), and thus is said to be the first fruit of the Spirit working in us who believe (1 John 4:7-8). And so Peter commands the brethren (and us all) to love one another with a pure heart. To live in obedience to Jesus Christ by loving each other (through the Spirit) as He has commanded us all to do. And thus to live, and keep on living, like Spiritually mature people of God should, and that is to love and receive each other based simply on the fact that each one had received the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus have His Spirit indwelling them. For in doing so they were not only finding a "kinship love" or brotherly amongst themselves, (as people who share a common bond or history do) but they were experiencing and living out a deep abiding love (agape love), that is only by God's Spirit within us, and thus transcends whatever personal "histories" they had amongst themselves, or current social standing, or personal likes or dislikes, or anything else that each person has, yet it is ultimately irrelevant, when Jesus Christ is forefront and center and keeping His commandment to love one another takes precedent. For it is only ones new life In Christ that matters when it comes to Christian love and fellowship (Gal. 3:26-29; 1 John 3:10-12). And thus by obeying the truth they were both individually and collectively purifying their souls, and no doubt strengthening their witness (both individually and collectively) for the Lord Jesus Christ as well, by loving each other as He commands us all. For without love there is no true Christian fellowship or character experienced or revealed (1 John 4:7-8).

And so Peter in verse twenty three to twenty five emphasises our "having been born again not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the Word of God which lives and abides forever." For what is born of corruptible seed, that is naturally, the physical body and it's attributes are temporary. Indeed they are born into sin and thus have no enduring qualities about them, for they are destined for the grave and decay. And thus the Scripture likens all flesh and all the "glory" of man to the grass and the flower, for just as the grass and flower rises only for a season, and then withers and falls away, so does all the glory of man (vs 24-25). That is why Peter is here emphasizing that we who believe have been born again, not by corruptible seed, but by incorruptible (that is by God's Spirit), through the Word of God which lives and abides forever. For as God Spirit Lives and Abides forever so does His Word, and so do those who believe it, and receive it, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. That is how one is born-again, not by trying to experience something "spiritual", but by believing in Jesus. For when one does they are then brought out of a state of being spiritually dead separated from God, into a state of being Spiritual alive united with God. And since God lives forever so are those who are born of Him. And thus we are said to be born-again, born from on High by God's Spirit who indwells our mortal bodies, bringing all of the fullness of God into us then (John 3:3-5; Col 2:8-10). And thus everything that we need pertaining to salvation comes to us by a gift of God requiring nothing other than our faith in the Lord Jesus crucified for sins and risen from the dead for our justification, to receive it all.
If you believe then receive it all, ask the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart and life, for by doing so your confessing Him and your faith in Him, and when you do that you will receive all that God has done for you and has in store in you!
"For whoever calls upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved" Rom 10:13

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Scripture Quotations

The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

 

 


 

1 Peter 1:17-21

17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Vs.17 to call on the Father, is as one who is born by God's Spirit by faith in His Son Jesus Christ, to call on God, in any area of one's life. For that was what the Old Covenant people of God did, and that is what we are to do as well (Isaiah 64:8); to both acknowledge (to call upon) as well as submit to God's Fatherhood in lives (Isaiah 63:16). And that is why we are not to call anyone on earth Father, as Jesus commanded (Matt 23:9). For to do so is to put before the Everlasting God, a mortal man. For truly there is no one else who can save or deliver us except God the Father who came to redeem us in the Person of His Son Jesus (John 14:9-11), and continues to deliver us as we submit to and obey Him (). And so Peter says "if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear"

For it is the Most Just God who without partiality (Acts 10:34-35) judges us all (individuals and nations) according to each ones work, and renders according to each ones deeds (Romans 2:6-11). And thus so shall the Son of Man, to whom God the Father has committed all judgment (John 5:22-23); to judge both the unbelieving world, as well as render rewards or losses to each and every believer, according to our deeds (consider Matt 16:27; 1 Cor 3:11-15; Rev 22:12). Therefore we are to conduct ourselves throughout the time of our sojourn here on earth in fear. That is we are to live lives that fear God (not man, or rejection from this world, or punishment from the rulers of this world; all which are a passing shadow; but God, who has Everlasting Authority and Power over all things (Matt 10:27-29).

For when we individually, and or collectively fear God as our duty to Christ this inevitable makes for individual as well as collective peace and prosperity in whatever endeavours we undertake (consider Job 28:28; Prov. 9:10; 10:27; 14:26-27; 19:23; 22:4; Ecc. 8:12; 12:13; Isaiah 45:7; Acts 9:31 etc.). Therefore in a world (and even segments of the visible church) which is showing themselves more and more hostile to God's commandments, we fear Him, when we keep them (Ps 111:10; 1 Cor 7:19; Rev 12:17).

Vs. 18-19 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 

That is to know in the perfect tense, and thus to know that our redemption is a settled fact. And it is because of that fact that we can have great confidence, not in perishable silver and gold which can redeem no one (consider Psalm 49:7-9) and certainly not ourselves, by adhering to what the Apostle Peter calls here "your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers". That is the Jewish traditions passed down from their forefathers, that men like the Pharisees clung to as foundational to being redeemed by God (consider Jesus' rebuke of them for doing so in Matt 15:1-9). Thus the Apostle Peter says here that we have redeemed, not only from sin and death by the blood of Christ, but also every tradition of man (whether of Jewish or Gentile origin). For no one who trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ is to observe any commandments of men or church traditions that are not found in the N.T. For again our redemption is based on one finished fact, the completed work of the Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary. That is the precious; the very, very, very precious blood of Christ as on a lamb without spot and blemish. For it is through God's Perfect Son Jesus Christ that God Himself has provided for us the Perfect sacrifice for our complete redemption.

Vs. 20-21 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Before God created anything, He had in mind the redemption of His creation (of us) through His Son. For God in His foreknowledge of all things not only choose the means by which He would redeem us, He also choose the Person who would do this. Therefore far above and long before everyone else, Jesus Christ the Son of God was foreordained, before the foundation of the world by God, to be manifest (that is to be Incarnate as the Son of Man) in these last times, for our redemption (vs. 20).

Therefore it is through Jesus Christ that we believe in God. Not the Lord Jesus Christ plus someone else. But Jesus and Jesus alone by which we have our faith firmly fixed in God (John 14:6). "...who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God." God the Father raised Jesus the Son from the dead and gave Him and Him alone glory. For Jesus having suffered the horrible Crucifixion death from lawless and evil hands for our sins redemption. God could give no greater honor then to command that all must now honor His Son whom He sent (John 5:22-23). For God will not give His Glory to another (Isaiah 42:8); neither to idols, nor to the religious leaders of man. But only to His Son Jesus Christ whom He sent into the world and who obeyed Him unto Crucifixion death for the redemption of the world. Therefore all glory and honor now rests on Jesus God's Son. He then who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. And is an evil deceiver who would dare put anyone before, or even alongside of the Lord Jesus Christ. For it i Christ alone rose from dead by the hand of God. Therefore it is only by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His crucifixion death and resurrection from the dead that ones faith is in God (Rom 10:9-10).
 

 

 Note: this work is a draft version and may undergo slight changes as I finish and edit it.

1 Peter 1:13-16

13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

 

Devotional
The Apostle Peter having laid down a doctrinal framework in verses 3-12 now brings it all home with some practical instruction. To begin Peter says that we should "gird up the loins of our minds, be sober, and rest our hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ". Now when Peter says we are to "gird up the loins of our minds" he is using a metaphor based on the ancient practice of lifting ones robe above the knees, to about the mid thighs, then securing it so as to be able to run or move with greater ease. The analogy here is that our minds are to be fully established on the truth of the gospel and our standing with the Lord Jesus Christ, so that we have neither doubts, nor needless worries about our standing in and with Christ. And so enable us to live more freely and thus be better able to serve Jesus unencumbered in whatever calling He places on our lives and whatever gifts He equips us with. That is the basis for the Apostle's Peters previous exhortation on our election In Christ according to the foreknowledge of God (vs. 1-2). Not to make us arrogant, or indifferent towards others, but to help secure our faith, and thus make us more effective and undistracted by needless doubts and worries, which seem to hit every Christian at some point.

For since the devil can't take our souls after we have been secured by the Lord Jesus Christ (John 10:28-30). Then he and his own will try their hardest to discourage us, and or hinder our effectiveness and fruitfulness for Jesus Christ. And one of his chief ploys in doing this is to introduce doubts. Can God be trusted ultimately is at the heart of everything he tries to do. So as to discourage us from stepping out in faith, and or living freely and abundantly by faith. Now intellectually we know the answer, of course God can be trusted with every aspect of our lives (Prov 3:5-6). But experientially this is something that many of us learn over time. And so, more often than not it's only in hindsight that we see just how faithful God truly is, and just how faithfully He has been working out all things for our good, as we learn to follow Jesus Christ, and His will for us in our lives (Rom 8:28-30). Now some of these aspects of God's working in our lives are clearly more pleasant than others. Nonetheless all are good in that when God's hand is on us, He is always intending good for us in end (consider Heb 12:11; James 5:10-11).
And so Peter says for us having girded our minds, that is having fixed them on the truth, for us to be sober. That is to live soberly, which is not just a command to abstain from being intoxicated with alcohol or other substances, but the stress of being sober here and often in the N.T. is for us to be alert to the many moral and spiritual dangers. (In regards to this consider 1 Peter 4:7; 2 Tim 4:5 where the word translated sober here is rendered "watchful", also consider 1 Peter 5:8 ). Thus we should strive to be self disciplined and self controlled in our lives. And not be given to extremes in behavior, speech or doctrine. For there are many pitfalls in the world, and sadly in the church, which can take captive and destroy the one who disregards wisdom's instruction (consider Prov 1:20-33).
Therefore being sober begins by being sound in ones doctrine, which when followed translates into being sound in ones conduct. For there are those who profess faith, or belong to the very broad umbrella that is Christendom, yet who not only oppose, or live openly hostile towards God's clear moral decrees, but seemingly live to do nothing other than to seek to engage others in endless and needless "debates" about the Law, Sabbath's, baptism's, adhering to a certain Bible translation, or practicing a certain Spiritual gift, or whatever else contentious and self deceived people are obsessed with. And thus believe are the "essence" of Christianity, which of course they are not (Heb 6:1-3). And thus they do not build true faith or love in anyone, but rather introduce strife and doubts, which Satan works through, to not only waste our time and resources on, but also our spiritual energies as well (consider Eph. 4:14-16; 2 Tim 2:14-16, 23; Titus 3:9-11; Heb. 13:9). Therefore instead of engaging in foolish and ignorant disputes with those whose faith is not fixed on Jesus Christ crucified for the remission of anyones sins who believes (John 5:24), but something less; to the ruin of the hearers as the Apostle Paul warns about (2 Tim 2:14). Let them be, and instead "rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." For in that you are not only walking in peace, but you will find peace (consider Psalm 34:14-16; Romans 14:19; 2 Tim. 2:22-26; Heb 12:14; 1 Peter 3:10-12). For it is the grace of God that is exclusively found by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead, which is the essence of Christianity.

Therefore let us who believe be sober. That is sober minded and sober living as obedient children of God, and not conform ourselves to our former lusts (vs. 14-15). That is not conform ourselves to those sins and lusts that Jesus Christ was crucified for, to save us from, and deliver us out of, when we were ignorant of Him and His ways, and thus and did not know the Lord. When we did not know right from wrong from a Biblical standpoint, knowing neither God's Word personally as our Savior, or spiritually/intellectually, as we do now. For there is a difference between sins committed in ignorance and unbelief, and sins which men and women commit in open rebellion against God (). Therefore Peter commands us who now believe, and have received the love of the truth, to live as Jesus Christ is: "but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct." vs 16
For just as God commanded the Israelites; whom He redeemed from being slaves in Egypt; to live holy before Him (see Lev 11:45; 19:1-2). For is incumbent upon every believer whom the Lord Jesus Christ has likewise redeemed, and set free from whatever sins and vices we were once held captive by, to likewise live holy, as He is holy.

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Peter 1:10-12

10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

 

Vs. 10 "Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,"

Throughout the ages God's prophets carefully inquired, searched, and sought out the salvation that God promised was to come; that would restore and bring His grace to believing humanity. Pictures of this salvation and grace are seen in person's such as Abraham, and passages such as Genesis 15:6 where God says of Abraham, because Abraham believed God's Word and Promise spoken to him, God counted that to him as righteousness before Him. Now that same principal is at the heart of the Gospel's Message. That it is what one believes, and thus receives about the Lord Jesus Christ (or does not believe) that will either justify or condemn them (consider John 3:16-21, 35-36).

Vs 11-12 "searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into."

Throughout the Old Testament God gave clear prophecies and imagery to His prophets by the Spirit of Christ to reveal both Jesus Christ's Crucifixion and death (consider Psalm 22; Isaiah 53), as well His Resurrection from the dead (Psalm 16:10) and the glories that would follow. That is the glories that now come to us all who believe in Jesus, and so we may become partakers of the Divine Nature by God's Spirit because of Jesus' Christ's Crucifixion death first atoning for all our sins, then His Resurrection from the dead by which He not only brings us to life, but also He frees us from enslavement to our old sin natures and desires (Rom 6:3-6), and then His Ascension back to God the Father by which He now reigns and is undoing (and or redoing) in our lives all that sin, Satan or we ourselves (or others) have ruined.
And so beginning at Pentecost Jesus poured out His Spirit on all those who believe so as to make them partakers with Himself of all of His glories. Some of which will be clearly seen in this life, and some of which are to follow; which will not be fully revealed until the Kingdom of heaven. Therefore Jesus continues to work mightily to effect the salvation of everyone who believes in Him through the the Gospel. Bringing to life and transforming (i.e. regenerating) the persons and lives as new creations in Christ (2 Cor 5:17) all who repent and believe (Mark 1:15). Thus we who believe are now washed and sanctified and justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God (1 Cor 6:11). 
Cleansed from and forgiven all our sins, we are given new natures and new desires, being both empowered, as well as united by His Holy Spirit, who is making us all fit for the Kingdom of heaven, as well manifesting Jesus Christ through us to all as His chosen and elect people here on earth, of both Jews and Gentiles. Spiritually equipping and qualifying us all for His witness and work now on earth. And so the Old Testament prophets though they foresaw saw some of these things; of both Christ's and our own resurrection (Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2). They did not know the timeline, nor exactly how all these things would unfold. All they knew is that God would visit His people in their time of need and bring them, and all who believe, to Himself in one nation with His Anointed One (i.e. the Christ or Messiah) having provided atonement for them in answer to their prayers (Psalm 65:1-3; 78:8-13) but also in fulfillment of His Word (Deut 32:43). So that He might lead and rule us forever (Isaiah 2:1-4; 25:6-8). So all of creation both in the heavens and the earth will be recreated into a new order in which God's reign in Christ will be universal. And so it was revealed to the prophets that what they were ministering then were not things to be fulfilled in their day, (though many of their words had an application then) but that there would be a Day when the glorious grace of God would be extended to all because of the Jesus Christ's Crucifixion at Calvary. And thus "To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into."
And so it is the same Holy Spirit who spoke through the prophets also speaks to us through the Biblical Apostle's writings. Speaking of things which angels desire to look into. For though they are God's servants and eye witnesses of God's work, there are many things that are kept from them, yet are revealed to us, His children, who bear His image and have His Spirit within us. It is then the greatest of privileges to both know God through His Son, but also to be taught and instructed by Him who speaks to us by His Spirit through the Apostles and prophets. But it all begins with a heartfelt decision to believe what God has said about His Son the Lord Jesus Christ and receive Him and His Words into ones heart and life (John 1:12; Rev 3:20). Putting all of ones trust in what He has done to save us all from our sins and the judgment to come, which will fall on all who do not repent and believe; who did not receive the love of the truth, which is fully found by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and obedience towards His gospel.
If you have not yet done that then please open your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ and receive His Words, salvation, and life into your own by simply believing that God's loves you and has sent Jesus to die on the cross for you, then He rose from the dead so that you could have remission of all your sins and eternal life the moment you believe in Him. For truly the prophets tell us that "the just shall live by faith" Hab 2:4, that is faith in what God has done for us all, not what we have done for ourselves or anyone else.


Scripture Quotations

The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

 

 

1 Peter 1:6-9

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

 Vs 6-9 In this we rejoice, of God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ having begotten us again (that is caused us to be born again by the Spirit of God) to a living hope, by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Therefore the joy of salvation that we have in us, of believing in the Lord Jesus Christ (and thus being saved by the grace of God), is a joy in us as a fruit of the Spirit of God within us, because of Jesus Christ's permanent Presence in our lives. For not until one is born again by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ's Person do they experience the love, joy and peace of God within themselves, which is experienced when we are in fellowship other believers, but also when we are by ourselves. Therefore though our faith is tested by fire, by various trials and tribulations which God permits in our lives as we journey home with Him, which ultimately help purify/refine us; both individually and the church collectively; and thus make us greater partakers of the fullness of Jesus Christ's salvation; both of the grace, the glories, and even the sufferings (consider Rom 8:17).

Therefore knowing God's good intentions for us all we rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ's Person regardless of our circumstances; though having not seen, we love, because we know Him whom we have believed, and thus received into our hearts and lives (John 1:12; Rev 3:20); and thus whom we have committed our souls too (2 Tim 1:12). For it is the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone who is is our Rock and our salvation. The King of the Nations who rules and abides in us forever. Therefore we rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory at remembrance of Him and His Person in our lives. Thanking Him for all that He has done, and continues to do in us, and through us, and even for us. For just as we are saved by the Word of the Lord, called elect according to the foreknowledge of God, we are also being preserved by the Word of the Lord which alone stands and endures forever. And thus we shall receive the end of our faith, the salvation of souls (vs. 9). That is salvation in all of it's fullness. Where all that is now imperfect in us and about us becomes Perfect, as we will then bear the image of the Heavenly Man no longer bound to this corrupted and perishing mortal flesh which shall then be fully transformed for everlasting life! (1 Cor 15:48-58).

Scripture Quotations

The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982
 

1 Peter 1:3-5

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 

Vs. 3 The Apostle Peter having addressed his epistle to the pilgrims (i.e. believers) scattered abroad in verses 1-2. Now opens his epistle with a resounding word of praise:

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead"

There is a lot of theology there in that one verse, but at the heart of it all is a reverential and heartfelt thanksgiving and worship of God the Father for all that He has done in sending His Son the Lord Jesus Christ to suffer and die on the cross for all our sins. So that with Jesus having first made atonement for all our sins. He then rose from the dead to so that we can all become recipients of His life and God's everlasting mercies the moment we believe in Him. And so we have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Vs. 4-5 "to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

This is the second part of Peters praise and declaration that began in verse three and continues here in verses four and five. And it is all because of Jesus' Perfect Person and Perfect Sacrifice, being without moral spot, or spiritual blemish by which Jesus having taken all our sins upon Himself, God now imputes His righteousness to us; so that by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ's Person we are declared righteousness in the sight of God. An amazing gift of righteousness that God gives to us all who believe in His Son. And so Jesus having risen from the dead then ascended back to the Father, to His everlasting place of Power, Prestige and Privilege, He not only watches over us all who believe in Him here and now. But He Himself also is the Guarantor of our eternal salvation and inheritance with God Himself in heaven, so all things in Christ that we have are reserved in heaven for us (vs. 4). For rest assured what Jesus has done by suffering death on the cross for us will never be forgotten by God, so that we all who received the love of the truth and put our trust in Jesus Christ can be assured that He Himself is not only the Guarantor of our souls salvation here and now, but also Jesus Himself is the Guardian of our internal inheritances with Himself. And so it is promised that that our inheritance with Christ is not only uncorrupted and undefiled, because that is what He is, and what He has done for us, it is also reserved in heaven for us (vs. 4). For it is being kept by the power of God, reserved in heaven for us, for the day when we will meet Jesus face to face and receive our full inheritances in heaven then. Thus the Scripture says not only are our inheritances being reserved for us, but we ourselves are being kept by the power of God through faith, for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. For it is then, and only then when we will see God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ and ourselves, and each other with a perfect clarity (see 1 Cor 13:12). Thus that salvation is ready to be revealed in the last time is what we all who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ (throughout all ages) will share and fully enjoy with Jesus Christ in our Perfected states as He Himself is already there, Perfected in heaven. And thus there will be a grand display of manifold wisdom of God of His Most Glorious Magnificence and Perfect excellence bestowed on us all In Christ, and through Christ, and because of Jesus Christ His Son being in us and manifested through us (1 John 3:2).

Now the opening phrase in verse three which Peter begins his thanksgiving with, similarly appears in two of the Apostle Paul's epistles in 2 Cor 1:3 and Eph. 1:3. And though there is a congruency between them, all three seem uniquely born out of Holy Spirit inspiration and thanksgiving rather then some sort of man-made formulated liturgical arrangement. For truly all heart-felt praise and thanksgiving towards God the Father is born out of having believed in the Lord Jesus Christ His Son. And so as all things begin with God so all praise flows back to Him for His having sent His Son Jesus to suffer and die on the cross for our sins and bring about our salvation. And this Jesus did when He rose from the dead on the third day. While the word translated blessed here is exclusively used of God and or praising God in the N.T (see Mark 14:61; Luke 1:68; Rom 1:25; 9:25; 2 Cor 11:31).
 



Scripture Quotations

The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

1 Peter 1:1-2

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

The Introduction (vs 1)

Notice that the Peter though declaring himself an apostle of Jesus Christ, first addresses himself by his name given him by the Lord, and not by a formal title such as Apostle Peter, Pastor Peter, or Overseer Peter etc., but simply as Peter. Thus Peter (though an apostle of Jesus Christ) addresses himself to all believers in a very personal way, as a fellow believer and pilgrim in the faith, and not in a hierarchical tone seeking homage or honor from men (consider Acts 10:25-26). 
Rather Peter, like Paul when identifying himself as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ only does so, so as to either authenticate his epistle (i.e. letter) or to remind believers of the authority by which he was writing to them, that is as one of the Lord Jesus Christ's chosen apostles, and not some false apostle writing on their own authority (consider 2 Cor 11:13-15; Rev 2:2). That said it is clear that in all of Paul's and Peters writings to believers everywhere there is no hint of hierarchical arrogance or partiality whether towards Jewish or Gentile believers. Rather Paul like Peter, as well as James and John for that matter clearly saw themselves first and foremost as simply brethren to other believers or as bondservants of Jesus Christ and servants of the entire church regardless of a believers ethnicity or social standing (consider Rom 1:1; 1 Cor 1:1; 2 Cor 1:1; Eph 1:1; Col 1:1; 1 Thess 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1; James 1:1; 2 John; 3 John). For again it is quite clear in the N.T. that neither Peter nor any of the Lord Jesus Christ's chosen apostles after Pentecost were concerned about people acknowledging either their or their own offices "titles and prestige". Rather they, and here Peter was first and foremost concerned about the churches well being, and that means to any truly Christ chosen and equipped apostle or leader all the people within it (consider John 21:15-17).

Now Peter was specifically chosen by the Lord Jesus Christ as His apostle and was equipped by Him through the Holy Spirit to serve Him and all believers in that very important capacity. And thus his letters though addressed to the pilgrims of the Dispersion (which we'll look at in a second) are applicable to us all who likewise believe in and want to obey the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus Peter having introduced himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ so that all who read his epistle (or letter) will know that it is he who is writing to us on Christ's authority, then addresses his epistle to the "pilgrims of the Dispersion" a phrase which looks back to Old Testament Israel who were scattered abroad for their ongoing disobedience (i.e. unfaithfulness) to God. And so here Peter is only drawing a parallel with them as far as believers being currently dispersed abroad from their native lands and territories. Which in all likelihood came about because of their faithfulness to the Lord Jesus Christ and not disobedience to God as was the case with the O.T. Israelites.
Which means this epistle must have been written to them (and for us all) sometime after the first persecutions of believers had arisen in Jerusalem (see Acts 8:1-8). And as we historically know persecution of Christians (whether of Jewish or Gentile pedigree would only increase in severity during the early years of the Gospel's proliferation). Nonetheless as is often the case, both then and now, persecution of believers often only helps to spread the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to even more people or it becomes a means by which God furthers His purposes in some way. Now the word translated pilgrims here is also translated such in Heb 11:13 and 1 Peter 2:11 and thus there is some debate (in commentaries) as to whether Peter was writing to Jewish or Gentile believers or a mix of both. Nonetheless given the Spiritual nature of the gospel, and thus its rapid influence and spreading throughout the entire Roman Empire, (indeed all the known world to the apostles; consider Acts 11:28; Col 1:6) it is only highly speculative on the part of commentators when either extreme is taken as fact. For neither the word pilgrims, nor the phrase it is used in, is indicating these believers ethnicity, as if that means anything in Christ (consider Gal 3:26-29). Rather it is indicating that these believers were simply not dwelling in their normal locals or residences; not in places that they would normally call "home". Instead these were believers who were, as the God's people have always been were truly pilgrims and strangers on earth (consider Heb 11:13-14). Who though currently Dispersed amongst the nations, and thus were living amongst various kinds of peoples, in various kinds of places, and very likely in and with all manner of circumstances. Nonetheless they (as we often are) were not just living for today, or living day by day, but were living in anticipation of the day when we will all be with the Lord Jesus Christ in His Kingdom, fully enjoying His Heavenly reign of perfect love and peace. Where our journeys in a fallen world having ended, and with them, never again pain to be endured, or tears of sorrow shed (Rev 21:4). And so Peter encourages them not as permanent residents or citizens of this world living by its designs, desires and values (Rom 12:2). But as (he himself) and all who follow Jesus Christ in discipleship truly are, pilgrims on earth. That is God's chosen (i.e. elect) people, set apart and set upon a journey that has heaven as our finial destiny.

The Dispersion (vs. 1)
Now in regards to the believers actual dispersion, Peter identifies five different locals, all in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) where believers had gone as a part of their Dispersion. And so the Apostle Peter (as well as James, see James 1:1) draw on an analogy from the Old Testament times when by the Sovereign hand of God the Israelites were dispersed abroad (for their disobedience to God), which ironically (by the hand of God) brought about a greater revelation of God's person to nations then ignorant of Him. In this the prophet Daniel was used mightily by God to preach to both the Babylonian then the Persian kings. And so now the apostles likely seeing the same thing occurring from the Dispersion of believers everywhere, that is the proclamation of the gospel everywhere, draw the analogy of what is happening to the disciples of Jesus Christ (yet for their obedience to God) and thus their faithfulness to Jesus Christ, as ultimately for the furtherance of the gospel. And thus these brethren were likewise enduring similar hardships as the Old Testament Israelites did in foreign lands for their faith in God, but also in being separated from their homes and native lands, and more importantly from loved ones, especially beloved ones in the faith, while they were serving God as faithful servants of Jesus Christ in whatever capacities He called them too. As the church was no longer holding all things in common (see Acts 4:32-37) but had at this time been largely scattered abroad. Which in many ways was for the better, not just for the gospels' furtherance as more people became exposed to it. But for all believers in general. For history has proven down through the centuries that whenever believers or segments of believers isolate themselves into their own societies, especially to the exclusion of other believers, they become not only rigid and legalistic, but also cultic and extreme, ultimately conforming themselves to their own ideals rather than to Jesus Christs, and thus they inevitably become far less fruitful and useful for the Lord's purposes here on earth (consider Matt 5:14-16). For we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are called to separation to the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel, not isolation from the world and each other. And so, though there are hardships to be endured as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 14:22) living in a fallen world which is under the sway of Satan (1 John 5:19). Nonetheless there is always God's continuing Work, Presence and Power in the world, and in our lives, for the redemption of all who believe the gospel. For it is God who is ultimately working all things together for our Good (Rom 8:28-39). For wherever God's people are as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, seeking to know Him and obey Him, there He is in Presence and Power working in and through us (consider Psalm 139:77-12; Matt 18:20). And so though God allows various kinds of trials and sufferings in our lives (some of which we are the authors of); yet He never leaves us, nor forsakes us to them (Heb 12:2). For there is no place where we may go, or circumstance that we may have to endure, that we should fear that we are not near, nor have access to the Personal Presence of the Living God. Whose Son the Lord Jesus Christ, now being seated at the right hand of God, is ever active in acting as our High Priest and Advocate before Him (Heb 4:14-16; 1 John 2:1). For God is always near, and His ear is always open to the poor in spirit (Ps 34:18; Isaiah 57:15; Matt 5:3) and repentant in heart (Isaiah 66:2; James 4:8-10), regardless of where we are. For God has not fixed Himself to geographic locals, like the Temple in Jerusalem, as the Jews once held (Acts 17:24-25). But He is everywhere, in all places, at all times. And so we as disciples of Jesus Christ being indwelt by His Person by the Holy Spirit are now the Temple of the Lord wherever we are or go. And thus wherever we are we are not only His witnesses (Acts 1:8), but also His fragrance (2 Cor 2:14-16). Yet we are not commanded to be in all places, and in fellowship with all people, at all times. As the N.T. makes clear. For our being sanctified by the Spirit means we are also to sanctify our lives and bodies (consider 1 Cor 5:9-10; 10:18-22; 2 Cor 6:14-7:1; Eph 5:11; Rev 18:4 etc.). Therefore though the gospel is to be effectively and fervently preached and lived out everywhere (Mark 16:20) amongst everyone and in every culture (Matt 28:18-20). Every believer must first examine themselves and their motives before entering into realms where they might endanger their own faith and or bring dishonor to the Name of Jesus Christ. For if in doing so one might endanger one's own faith or living right in the sight of God, then such is not a place where the Lord would have one be! Same with restoring a Christian brother or sister who has fallen into sin, though we are to do this, and in a spirit of gentleness, we are to first consider ourselves beforehand, lest we also be tempted (Gal 6:1-2).

The Locations (vs 1)
Of the five locals Peter mentions: Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia; Pontus is mentioned first. Pontus was a Province of Asia Minor (Modern Turkey) paralleling the southern shores of the Black Sea, stretching roughly 240 miles east to west, being bound by Armenia on the east with Bithynia on its western border with Mysia next to it. Moving inland were the territories (from east to west) of Cappadocia, Galatia and Asia (see http://bibleatlas.org/full/pontus.htm). The whole region being largely Greek/Roman in law and culture at the time of the Apostle's, except in segments of the mountainous interior where Persian/Parthian influences still existed. Now the Scripture records that Jews from Pontus were present at Jerusalem during the Pentecost Festival when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Apostles. And so some of these must of heard the Apostles speaking, by the Spirit, in the native languages of the peoples assembled there (Acts 2:9). It may have been that some of these then received the Lord Jesus Christ through the Apostle Peters preaching and then took the gospel back to Pontus when they returned. If so the gospel, and thus the church, would've had very early roots there. The beloved Aquila, husband of Priscilla, and dear friend and co-worker of the Apostle Paul was born in this region (Acts 18:2); which confirms what the 1st century Jewish historian Philo records that a Jewish population was already well established there. And so as Jews (indeed all believers) fled the growing persecutions in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria; Pontus (and the related regions) must have been a natural location to try to find refuge and exile.

The Calling (vs 2)
The Phrase the Apostle Peter uses here is a powerful one stating that we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are "elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father". To be elect is to be chosen by God, whether an individual or a nation. And in context it is stating the each and every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ was chosen according to God the Fathers foreknowledge of all things, (consider John 15:16, 15:19) and thus it is our standing with God that we all have who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ; all by the grace of God (consider Rom 9:11).
(Please see article from Nelsons Bible Dictionary bellow for detailed explanation; also see Matt 22:14; 24:22, 24, 31; Mark 13:20, 22, 27; Luke 18:7; 23:35; Rom 8:33; 11:5, 7; 16:13; Col 3:12; 1 Thess 1:4; 1 Tim 5:21; 2 Tim 2:10; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:2; 2:4, 6, 9; 2 John 1, 13; Rev 17:14 for all the N.T. contexts where this word translated elect here is used).
Thus we who believe in Jesus as testified to in the Scriptures are "elect according to the foreknowledge of God" (lit. to know before hand, and in some contexts to predetermine, as in Acts 2:23 and related to this 1 Peter 1:20). Thus it is a profoundly gracious move on God's part to chose to save us according to His foreknowledge of all things. Louw-Nida 28.20 gives this as a rendering and understanding of the words translated elect and foreknowledge here in this context of 1 Peter 1:2: ‘to those who have been chosen … according to what God the Father had known beforehand’
Now since God the Father in His Sovereign will has chosen us to be His own, according to His own foreknowledge of all things, He has done so with a special purpose and plan in mind for us who believe in His Son Jesus. Which begins with our being sanctified by His Spirit, so that we might now obey His Son the Lord Jesus as His New Covenant people. That is what the Apostle Peter is stating in the second half of the phrase in verse 2 which states: "...in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ" which he concludes by saying "Grace to you and peace be multiplied."
Thus there is in verse two both a declaration of what we are in Christ, but also what we are to do. The sprinkling of the blood of Jesus refers not just to our having our sins covered by the blood of Christ, but more specifically to our being sprinkled with Christ's blood by which we both individually and collectively come into a covenant relationship with God (see Exodus 24:3-8 and Heb 12:24). The word translated sprinkling here is also used in Heb 9:13, 19, 21 where the exposition is on the greater and perfect and finial sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ and thus His blood being the agent by which God now sprinkles His people and thus sanctifies (i.e. washes) us by the precious blood of His Son.

Therefore Peter will begin in verse three by praising God for all of His abundant mercy, which began with God the Father and His first moving towards us while we were still sinners, fully seperated from Himself (Rom 5:8). For it is only God's deep and abiding love and concern for us all, both as individuals, as well as mankind collectively, struggling under the burden of sin, Satan and death that moved God by way of the cross of Jesus Christ, to not only atone for all our sins but also cleanse us, by the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus, so that through Jesus' sacrifice for us He could bring us all who believe in Christ into a personal and living and dynamic relationship with Himself, the moment we believe in His Person, and thus bring about our everlasting reconciliation to Himself. Therefore Peter extends what God Himself has already done for us all, and that is grace and peace be multiplied to you, and to all who believe (vs. 2).


Nelsons New Illustrated Bible Dictionary

ELECT

— a person or group chosen by God for special favor and for the rendering of special service to Him. In the Old Testament the Hebrew people were described as God’s elect. The New Testament speaks of Christ as God’s Chosen One (1 Pet. 2:4, 6) and of the church as God’s new chosen people (Rom. 8:33; 2 John 1, 13). Also see Election.

ELECTION

— the gracious and free act of God by which He calls those who become part of His kingdom and special beneficiaries of His love and blessings. The Bible describes the concept of election in three distinct ways. Election sometimes refers to the choice of Israel and the church as a people for special service and privileges. Election may also refer to the choice of a specific individual to some office or to perform some special service. Still other passages of the Bible refer to the election of individuals to be children of God and heirs of eternal life.

Throughout the history of redemption, election has characterized God’s saving activity. He chose and called Abraham from Ur to Canaan, making an everlasting covenant with him and his offspring (Gen. 11:31–12:7; Neh. 9:7; Is. 41:8). God also called Moses to lead His people out of bondage (Ex. 2:24–3:10; Deut. 6:21–23; Ps. 105). He chose Israel from among the nations of the world to be His special covenant people (Deut. 4:37; 7:6–7; Is. 44:1–2).

Election to salvation takes place "in Christ" (Eph. 1:4; 2:10) as a part of God’s purpose for the human race. As part of His eternal plan, God allows us to use our freedom to rebel against Him. Thus it is gracious of God to save those who find salvation through Jesus Christ. It is not unjust of Him not to save everyone, since no one deserves to be saved (Matt. 20:14; Rom. 1:18; 9:15). Election is gracious; it is also unconditional and unmerited (Acts 13:48; Rom. 9:11; 1 Pet. 1:2). It is an expression of the eternal, sovereign will of God who cannot change (Rom. 8:29; 2 Thess. 2:13). Therefore the salvation of the elect is certain (Rom. 8:28, 33).

Election is a necessary condition for salvation; faith is the sufficient condition. The elect inevitably believe, but they do not believe against their will. They have a God-given desire and ability to trust in Christ for salvation (Acts 13:48; 1 Cor. 15:10; Phil. 1:29; 2:13). The elect choose God because He effectively calls them through the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ; they choose Him because He first chose and called them to Himself (Rom. 8:28). That initiating love of God is reflected in Jesus’ statement, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you" (John 15:16).

A careful study of the Bible’s doctrine of man cures any romantic notion of a human will that is free to choose for or against God. Those who are slaves to sin and its power (Rom. 6:6) neither understand nor seek after God in and of themselves (Rom. 3:11; John 14:17; 1 Cor. 2:14). Outside of Christ, people are spiritually dead rebels who neither desire to submit to the Lord Jesus Christ nor are able to. Apart from God’s gracious, free, eternal, and sovereign choice of sinners to become His children, none would be saved but would remain forever under His wrath (Rom. 1:18).

Election is not to be a source of complacency (2 Pet. 1:12) or presumption (Rom. 11:19–22) on the part of Christians. They are to make their calling and election certain by growing in godliness (2 Pet. 1:2–11) as they respond with gratitude to God’s electing love (Col. 3:12–17).

God has chosen Christians to bear the image and glory of Christ (Rom. 8:29; 2 Thess. 2:14). They have been elected to be holy in conduct, like Christ (Eph. 1:4). Like Him, they are also to be glorified in their whole being in the life to come (2 Cor. 3:18; Phil. 3:21). The ultimate goal of our election is that we might bring praise and glory to God (Eph. 1:6; Rom. 11:33; 2 Thess. 2:13).

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982


Additional Resources
Nelsons New Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Logos Library Systems)
Louw-Nida 28.20 volume 1 page 336
Teachers Bible Commentary 1 Peter 1:1-2

 

Habakkuk 1:12-13

12 Are You not from everlasting, O Lord my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O Lord, You have appointed them for judgment; O Rock, You have marked them for correction. 13 You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness. Why do You look on those who deal treacherously, And hold Your tongue when the wicked devours A person more righteous than he?

 

Devotional

In this passages context Habakkuk appeals to the Lord, not to look with complacency on the wickedness of the Babylonians, whom the Lord had appointed to judge His people for their sins (KJ commentary). But were very cruel in their dealings with God's people, and so they like those before them, and after them, always triumph in their mortal power until God the Maker takes it all away! And so Hezekiah's frustration at seeing the wicked prosper for a season does not mean that God has forgotten, or will forget their deeds, but He will repay them in His own time (consider Psalm 94:1-23).  

Now the phrase:

"You are of purer eyes than to behold evil,
And cannot look on wickedness"

Indicates that God cannot look on evil or wickedness with any sort of indifference. For God is a God of truth and justice (Deut 32:4; Psalm 89:4). Therefore He must judge sin, whether in His own people's lives or anyone elses (consider Exodus 24:5-8 then read Num 14:11-38 if you know the context, if not go back and read the whole sad legacy of Israel refusing to enter the promised land, or just see Ezek 18:4). Yet as the Scripture also reveals, God is God of mercy who willingly extends mercy to everyone who humbles themselves and now seeks Him for it through Christ (consider Matt 9:9-13). For God has a provided a means by which He can now both serve His justice and extend His mercy to everyone who repents and believes; who looks too Jesus Christ crucified for their sins remission. For it is only by Jesus Christ's crucifixion death, and thus Jesus being our Substitute in suffering for our sins to death, that God can now look on and receive us all who believe in Him (Heb 9:22). Thus it is only by the Lord Jesus Christ's first atoning for all our sins, that God now looks on us all with eyes of grace (John 1:17). For God in having provided the finial and most Perfect sacrifice for all our sins, now looks for and longs for us all to be reconciled to Himself. Therefore when anyone believes in the Lord Jesus Christ's Person and calls on His Name, they will be saved from His just and holy wrath against their sins, and be brought into an everlasting relationship with Himself (John 3:16; 11:25-26; 14:6). For it is by Jesus Christ's crucifixion death, then resurrection from the dead, by which God can now impute Jesus Christ's own Righteousness to us all who believe, and in so doing, make us right (i.e. justified) in His own sight.

If you have never understood your own sinful condition (Rom 3:23) and separation from God (Isaiah 59:2) and thus in your needing a Savior to come and save you from your sins and the wrath to come. Understand and know this, that God loves you and He sent His Son Jesus to suffer and die in your place, so that God might redeem you from your sins and death and bring you into the Kingdom of heaven giving you everlasting life with Himself the moment you believe. For there is nothing that you and I can do to atone for our own sins; neither charitable deeds, nor generous giving, nor sacrificial living,  nor prayers can make atone for what we are, and what we have done. Only Jesus Christ can and has. Therefore I urge you, be reconciled to God! Put your faith (i.e. complete trust) in the Lord Jesus Christ's Person and sacrificial atonement on the cross for all our sins. "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Cor 5:21

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Luke 2:14

"Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Those words reverberated across the heavens over 2000 thousand years ago with the birth of Jesus Christ, God's Son, the One foretold and chosen to bear the sins of mankind, by suffering death on a cross for them. For it is by that, and that alone, that mankind finds peace with God, and peace with each other, when we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and obey His Gospel.
For that is God's purpose for which Jesus Christ was born a babe through the virgin Mary, grew up as a child, then into a Man. Who was foretold at His birth, then testified too by John the Baptist as being "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world". Who during three and half years of ministry endured temptations by Satan and trials by man, and who at the end of His course in declaring the Gospel of God to both Jews and Gentiles alike; doing many mighty and merciful works as a testimony for us all to believe in Him; was betrayed into lawless hands for the suffering of death by Crucifixion  according to the predetermined counsel of God. So that you and I might have remission of all our sins and new and everlasting life the moment we believe in Lord Jesus Christ's Person. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

And so it is by the Lord Jesus Christ suffering death on the cross, and shedding of His blood for us all, that He has fulfilled all of God's Righteous requirements for all of our sins atonement. That is the redemption payment required by God to redeem us from sin and death so that we can now be reconciled back to God the moment we believe in the Lord Jesus' Person. For God's justice having being satisfied with Jesus' suffering in our place, God can now freely justify anyone (no matter what we have done), the moment we believe in Jesus (Rom 3:24). That is the power of Jesus' Christ's Crucifixion death, the absolutely free and utterly complete redemption from sin and death of everyone who believes in Him Now that is Good News! and something to celebrate all the time!
For Jesus having been crucified for our sins remission, was then buried in a stone tomb hewn out of solid rock, where His body remained for three days in fulfillment of the Scriptures. Then Jesus according to the Scriptures rose from the dead, to bring us who believe in Him victory over sin, Satan and death (Hosea 13:14; John 11:25; Rom 8:31-39). And thus Jesus having conquered mankind's greatest enemy then manifested Himself to His disciples in His Resurrection body at various times, in various ways, so that they would not only be witnesses of His Resurrection Life. But also, so that they and everyone who believes in Him, will likewise be recipients of Christ's Resurrection Power.  That is the Power of God's Holy Spirit by which He both transforms our persons, giving us new birth so that we might enter the Kingdom of heaven (John 3:3-5) but also so that He might empower us here and now for His witness and service as His disciples. And so with the Holy Spirit being initially poured out on the apostles as sign to their Jewish brethren to repent and believe the Gospel. He now comes to us all who believe in Jesus, whether Jews or Gentiles, just as Jesus foretold the Holy Spirit would come to us all who hence forth believe in Him (John 7:37-39). So that He may baptize us all who believe into One Body, but also so that He may Help, Guide, Comfort and Equip and seal us all as Jesus Christ's disciples here and now (John 14:16-18; 15:26; 16:13-15; 1 Cor 12; Eph. 1:13-14). For Jesus having Risen from the dead, 40 days later in the presence of His chosen Apostles ascended back to God the Father in heaven, where He now waits until the fulfillment of all things; until all His enemies are made His footstool.

What then does God require of us? Two things. Repentance and faith. Repentance is a change of mind, about ourselves, our sin and thus our need for God's salvation. Thus it is the active engagement of our will to make a conscience decision to turn away from our sins and turn, or return to God (see Luke 15:11-32). Faith is the active engagement of our hearts and minds by opening them to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and thus receive Him (Rev 3:20). 
If you have never received the gift of God, to be justified freely by God by what He has done through His Son to save us all then please by all means do! Ask Jesus Christ into your heart and life, to be both your Lord and Savior. For the Bible states: 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  Rom 10:9-13

Scripture Quotations

The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982,

 

*Tyndale House Publishers: Holy Bible: New Living Translation. 2nd ed. Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004

 

Ezekiel 20:10-12 Sabbath Rest

 10 “Therefore I made them go out of the land of Egypt and brought them into the wilderness. 11 And I gave them My statutes and showed them My judgments, which, if a man does, he shall live by them.’12 Moreover I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and Me, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them.

 

Devotional
Now the Sabbath was not given so that man may think himself justified in the sight of God by his own observance of it. Rather the Sabbath was given as a sign between God and His people Israel so that they might know that it is He who sanctifies them. That is the point I'm emphasizing here, not the covenantal aspect of Israel's relationship to God by their observing it, which in the Old Testament economy was absolutely critical for them to observe it. Rather that the Sabbath was to teach Israel (and us all) that we are first and foremost dependent on God for our sanctification. For only He can sanctify us. That is what the Sabbath ultimately portrays and God commands of us all, to cease from our own works, that is every attempt on our part to do for ourselves what only He can do, and instead enter His rest by placing all of our faith In the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb 4:10). For it is He who both justifies us (Rom 5:1), as well as sanctifies us (by the Holy Spirit) the moment we believe in Him (1 Cor 6:11; Eph 1:13-14). For that is the only way we who are now bound to God by the New Covenant can truly obey God's commanded Sabbath Rest, by believing in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ and trusting what He has done to save us all, and thus place all of our faith, hope and obedience towards Him. For again that is why the Scripture commands us all to cease from our own works and trust in His (Rom 4:4-5; Heb 4:10; 6:1). For as Israel did not believe nor obey God when His Son Jesus Christ came to them declaring Good News and ushering in the commanded everlasting Rest, so God said to them all who did not believe:"I swore in My wrath they shall not enter My rest".
Therefore I urge you all to receive the grace of God, given freely to us all, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, crucified for all our sins remission and raised from dead for our justification. So that you may enter God's eternal Rest. For we who have believed do enter that rest (see Heb 4:1-3).

If you have not yet made that critical decision to receive the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:12) and submit yourself to Him as both your Lord and Savior, please do so now. For the Scripture says that it is the Lord Jesus Christ who is the Author of eternal salvation for all who obey Him (Heb 5:9).
Therefore by a simple prayer of faith, by asking Jesus into your heart and life, you can enter God's commanded Rest and take the Lord Jesus Christ's yoke upon you, which is not a man made religious yoke, but a yoke that binds you to walk in step with Him, by which you will find rest for your soul (Matt 11:28-30). Therefore if you believe and want to receive Jesus simply pray something like this:
Dear Lord Jesus I believe that You by the Will of God were crucified in my place, so that I might have remission of all my sins. Then you rose again from the dead, having conquered death, so that You might impart Your new and everlasting life in me, by Your Spirit, the moment I believe in You. Therefore I confess that you are Lord, the fulfillment of all of God's Word and plans and purposes, for You are Savior and Judge of all. And so I invite You into my heart and life, to be My Lord and Savior, so that I might freely submit myself to You in Your discipleship, and that You might work Your Will in and through me. In Your Precious Name Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

 

Scripture Quotations

The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982