I know that salvation is not earned, because it is a free gift and no man will ever be able to boast or claim credit for their salvation. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Romans 10:9, John 14:6, Acts 16:30-31 *just to name a few). We can't save ourselves because we can't even truly see ourselves as the sinners that we are. (Jeremiah 17:9, Mark 7:21-23)
But I also know faith without works is dead (James 2:26), salvation and holiness and godliness (1 Peter 1:15-16, 1 Peter 1:22, Ephesians 2:10, Colossians 2:6 *just to name a few) are not passive qualities.
It is not enough to just say we believe and then nothing results from that belief...any more than it is enough for me to say I believe eating fruits and vegetables are essential to my health and eat candy and chips. The actual eating of those items is what proves my belief, trust, and faith - if you will - in the truth of the matter.
If I truly believe that God gave His spotless, sinless Son to live a life we could not ever live, to bear our sins and die the death we deserve, to save us from a hell we cannot imagine...if I believe that to be true...how does my conduct, thinking, speaking - how do I reflect that truth? If I believe that people I personally know do not believe this truth and are facing a hell - how can I just go on with my life as if that didn't matter? If I believe God is real - that He truly created me and the world around me, and as such has the right to guide my moments and set the boundaries on my affections, my time, my money...do I live like that? Does my conduct reflect obedience or rebellion?
In 1 Peter, Peter jumps in deep and pointedly tells us, reminds us, that our obedience purifies us. What does it matter? Or what is the point we are to strive for? Love of our brothers and sisters. Love that stretches us - strenuous love, intently love...emptying us on behalf of our brethren. I am ashamed at how far short of this my obedience falls.
So what do I do? Give up? Feel bad? Stay here?
By no means am I to settle for that. 1 John 1:9
Confession,
Repentance,
Obedience. (1 Peter 1:22)
More to come as I dig deeper into 1 Peter.
I feel like this is something I will be trying to work out for the rest of my life! I really enjoyed seeing all your notes and working out of the things in this verse. Our church has been doing a series on 1 Peter this summer. There is so much in that book!! A church could spend an entire year studying it and wouldn't be lacking in material.
ReplyDeleteThere is truly so very much tucked into such a tiny book. How neat that your church is doing a series on it - I bet it has been awesome! I always love to see a comment from you - have a great week :)
Delete