Be Holy in All Your Ways

1 Peter 1

A Christ follower’s hope is fresh and fruitful because it is a “living hope,” purchased by the living Christ, and promised in the living Word.

In 1 Peter 1, Warren Wiersbe describes Salvation as a calling, a birth, and a redemption.
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“To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” 1 Peter 1:1–2 (ESV)

Here, we see that and know that we are chosen by the Father, who gives us the new birth. We are set apart by the Spirit, who gave the Word and enables God’s servants to declare, and gives sinners the faith to believe the promise.

We have been purchased by the blood of God’s Son, who died for us, rose again, and is coming for us to give us our inheritance. No wonder Peter opened his letter with a song of praise!

“be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead... since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God” 1 Peter 1:3; 23 (ESV)

This is the spiritual birth Jesus tried to explain to Nicodemus in John 3. When you put your faith in Jesus Christ, you are born from above. You receive hope and love for Christ, and His people. Because we are God’s children, we desire to obey Him, despite the cost or the challenge.

“to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:4-7 (ESV)

Dr. Tony Evans says, “Inheritance includes our rewards for faithfulness and fidelity to the King and his kingdom. Ever made a hotel reservation only to discover that the hotel had no record of it when you showed up? That won’t happen with this reservation because it is kept in heaven. No one can take it, lose it, or hack it out of God’s heavenly computer... If you are truly born again, you’re not going anywhere—not because of your power to hold on to God, but because God has an omnipotent grip on you.”

All trials are designed to do three things: prove your faith, develop your faith, and glorify your Savior. You never know what you believe until you face a test. Our heavenly Father wants to refine your character.

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls”. 1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV)

Dr. Evans continues, “You love Jesus by seeking His glory, so determine how you can bring him the most glory in a given circumstance and do it. You believe Christ—or trust him—by obeying him. Trusting Christ isn’t a feeling; it’s a decision to obey. Rejoicing in Christ means thanking and praising him because you are receiving the goal of your faith … salvation. This is not a reference to eternal salvation; the first readers already had it. It’s about the future rewards that await us.”

“And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,” 1 Peter 1:17–22

Salvation is a redemption. The apostle is referring to the Passover Feast in Exodus 12. Jesus is the Lamb slain for us, and His blood was sprinkled to shelter us. The Jews in Egypt had to be ready to depart, and we must have the same attitude. When Jesus comes again, we will make our exodus from this world!

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13–16 (ESV)

Dr. Tony Evans writes, “God is holy, which means, “separate” or “set apart.” He’s distinct from His creation, unstained by sin, and is the standard of righteousness. Holiness is central to who God is. He is never described in the Bible as “love, love, love” or “sovereign, sovereign, sovereign.” But the angelic beings emphasize that He is “holy, holy, holy” (Isa 6:3; Rev 4:8). This perfect holiness is at the heart of his other attributes. Everything about him is in a class by itself. And He calls His people to pursue holiness by seeking to please Him in every dimension of their lives.”

Are you praising Him for His sacrifice? What is your attitude His Salvation? Are you intentionally pursuing holiness in His strength? Are you glorifying Him with your life—your words, your walk, and your willingness to serve Him.

Today, know that if you have believed in Jesus Christ, you have received a seed that is imperishable (which implies believers cannot lose their salvation). God sparked life in you where once there was death, and he did it through the living and enduring word.

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