By Minister Jonathan Irons, Esq.
I PETER 1:13-25: Peter’s audience was likely Christians who were persecuted and exiles scattered all over the known world. Peter, in effect, reiterated that the salvation of their souls had been secured by the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross on their behalf. He was resurrected from the dead and will be fully revealed at his second coming. Because of this salvation, Peter admonished them to keep their minds alert, disciplined and fully sober. Being fully sober and disciplined may mean having nothing within us that can impair us, including intoxicating infuences like idol worship, the love of money, materialism, or inappropriate relationships. These bad influences can shipwreck our faith and walk with God. Peter wanted his readers to place their hope on the future certainty Jesus’ return.
As obedient children God, we stop conforming our thoughts and actions toward things that would put a strain on our relationship with God. Because the Holy Spirit indwells in us as believers, we are admonished to pursue holiness. The basic meaning of holy is to be set apart. This does not mean we are set apart from people or every day living. When we pursue holiness, we seek to please God in our conduct, to obey his Word, and abstain from anything that would dishonor God and others. For it is written: “ You shall be holy, for I am holy”.
God has no favorites among His children, and so will judge each of us impartially. Our salvation was not purchased with silver and gold. We are not saved by our family’s name, lineage, wealth or bloodline. The redemption of humankind was purchased by the blood of Christ. Jesus was found worthy to redeem humankind from the bondage of sin and reconcile us to God the Father.
When we came to the knowledge of the truth, we were commanded to love one another purely, and to forgive others as God for Christ’s sake has loved and forgiven us. Our days on this earth are equivalent to a blade of grass. We fourish for a while, and then we wither and fade away. However, the word of the Lord endures forever.