Monday, March 09, 2009

THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL
...protected by the power of God

declaring the good news of the gospel of grace1Pet. 1:3 ¶ 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,

1Pet. 1:4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

1Pet. 1:5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1Pet. 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials,

1Pet. 1:7 that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

1Pet. 1:8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

1Pet. 1:9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

5 comments:

Carla Rolfe said...

Several years ago when I first began to have a weekly Scripture memory verse, 1Peter 1:7 was my very first one.

We all go through times where it feels like our faith is being tested by fire (of one kind or another), but going back to verse 5 to remind ourselves of the power of God who brought us here in the first place, is critical during those times.

Great reminder today, thanks for posting this.

The Blainemonster said...

"Protected by the power of God..." Absolutely amazing. The doctrine of God's preservation OF and perseverence WITH the saints is so humbling. It brings such peace and joy and confidence.

Contrary to Arminian thought, being convinced of eternal security does not encourage a feeling of "license to sin." Knowing that God is ever faithful makes me wants to shun my sin even more, makes me want to run to Him for shelter even more than in the days when I feared that the onus for maintaining my salvation was upon me (I was raised A/G and still am an A/G minister).

How strange to think that a salvation authored, initiated and instigated by God would have to be finished by me. How strange to believe that one incapable of even choosing Christ (me) would somehow be able to persevere on my own.

How precious is our adoption as sons (and daughters)! A son belongs to the family forever; we are chosen, loved, and firmly held. Glory to God! :)

Thanks, Steve, for posting this passage this morning.

Debbie said...

Just the focus my heart and mind needed this morning. I'm so thankful for His Word and especially these verses today.

Deb_B said...

Amen.

pdm said...

Thank you, Steve, for this important reminder that we are kept by God, not man, and I needed that reminder from God's Word today, in light of what you just posted about our country's leaders.
A reminder of our HOPE in Christ is very comforting indeed. THANKS.