Welcome!
Today: God’s work : selection, salvation and sanctification
Passage: 1 Peter 1
1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. (1 Peter 1, NIV84) –emphasis added
The epistle of Peter was written to the believers scattered the disapora, in parts of Asia minor (Turkey). It seems there were Jewish and gentile christians there
Peter had two of his assoaciates – Silas and John Mark with him. He states that he writes it from Babylon (probably Rome) and written around AD 62 (1 Pet. 5: 12-13)
Peter recognizes the scattered church as “God’s elect”, while identifying himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Peter brings all the three persons of the Godhead in the second verse: Father, Son and Spirit
Chosen by the father: Our position as God’s children is the greatest privilege we could ever have. Salvation is fully God’s work; all we did was accepting that free gift. It is very difficult for man to think of receiving the salvation (moksha) without any input from him because our own sins prick us. That is why we need to get the true picture of God, His nature and love for us. None of the sinful man’s work qualify him/her infront of God.
Sprinkled by the blood of Jesus: It was by the shed blood of Jesus, we were saved. No other person can represent the whole humanity, because Jesus, “the word” was the one through whom all thuings were created. He is the only one born of the seed of God, and is thus sinless. His blood alone can achieve salvation for the whole world.
It was God’s rule that there is no remission of sins without the shedding of blood (Heb 9:22, Lev 17:11)
The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is represented by fire and water (Acts 2:3, John 7:38, 39). Both fire and water are used to clean/sanctify. The work of sanctification is also achieved while the word of God is read/preached in the fullness of the spirit (Jn. 15:3)
God is at work in you and me from beginning to the end. He is at work in the church. He watches us 24/7 and He keeps us. As we continue in obedience to God and His word, His grace and peace will be ours.
Have a peaceful, graceful day!
BG
Prayer: Father God, I thank you for your selection, salvation and sanctification on me. It is your grace and mercy, none of my merit. Help me to bear fruit accordingly and be a channel of your grace and love in this life. In Jesus’ name; Amen
“The only person qualified to save us, is God”