“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you…”
—1 Peter 1:3-4
AS WE LIVE from day to day, Scripture encourages believers with the assurance of our future, “an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). Because of such hope, we are to “be holy in all our conduct” (1 Peter 1:15). Peter makes it clear that we who trust in Christ now hold the privileged position once held by the people of God in the Old Covenant when he wrote, “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people” (1 Peter 2:9). Our privileged position as the redeemed of Christ ought to motivate us unto godly living and cause us to “maintain good conduct” (1 Peter 2:12). Peter tells us that good conduct is manifest when we respect the government, when servants faithfully obey their masters, and when husbands and wives treat one another well “since you are joint heirs of the grace of life…” (1 Peter 3:7).
OUR PRAYER OUGHT to be that the Holy Spirit continually works within us so that we might faithfully live as those who are the redeemed of Jesus Christ. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:11-14). This is not legalism, which is defined as trying to earn salvation by our works, but rather thankful, God-fearing, reverential living for such a wondrous and gracious salvation granted to us in Jesus Christ. “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29).
YES, TRULY, WE are saved by God’s grace alone through God given faith alone in the perfect work of Jesus Christ alone; however, true faith always motivates believers to live unto good works for God’s glory and the good of His church (Ephesians 2:8-10). We are saved by grace to love and serve the true and living God, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. As the Apostle Paul wrote to Titus, “And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:14). This is the teaching of God’s Holy Word. May the Holy Spirit be pleased to continue molding and shaping every believer into the image of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for His honor, glory, and praise!
Friday Devotional: September 13, 2024
In Christ,
Pastor S. Henry