1 Peter 1
When I was a kid and phones were still
stuck on walls, we would get calls and whoever answered would find out to whom
the caller desired to speak. That information having been obtained usually
resulted in a shout to the desired recipient, “Mom, Dad, it’s for you!”
Those words, “It’s for you!” are also
appropriately addressed to you, dear reader, as you approach the Bible and the
salvation God has won in Jesus.
Salvation? It’s for you! God caused you
to be born again into living hope through Jesus’ resurrection. He’s given you
an imperishable inheritance that He is keeping undefiled and unfading in heaven.
All for you! He guards you through faith to keep you in that salvation until it
is fully revealed on the last day. So even if your faith is tested by the fiery
struggles, temptations, and troubles of this world you can be comforted and
certain that Jesus has won the salvation of your soul. It’s for you.
The way you received this salvation was through
God’s Word. The Bible is for you. The prophets of the Old Testament prophesied about
God’s grace for you. They predicted Jesus’ sufferings and His subsequent
glories so that you might believe. This wasn’t for their comfort. They were
serving you as they preached the good news of Jesus’ coming. It’s for you.
What of good works? What of your efforts?
Well, be prepared to do good works. Be ready to work hard. But, “set your hope
fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” In other word, don’t put your hope on what
you do. Be holy, as your Father in heaven is holy. But that’s not your hope. Conduct
yourself with fear throughout your time on earth, but that’s not your hope
either.
It is what God has done for you that
gives you hope, life, forgiveness, and salvation. He gave the ransom for you. He
offered the sacrifice for you. Your faith and hope are in God. He purifies you
in Jesus’ blood. And He delivers that purification to you through the Word. Indeed,
Word and Forgiveness go hand in hand, and they are for you.
Lord, let me receive your gift of life in
Your Word. Let me live in it. Amen.
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