When Peter (aka Cephas) addresses the scattered saints, it would be interesting to think about what would motivate him to help shape this letter to them.
From what is apparent in the first part of the letter, Peter is eager to remind the saints of the context in which they find themselves. That context is the reminder of the good news that has brought them to where they are. The marvellous work of God in Christ, the work that now puts them in a position to look forward in hope even though they did not see Jesus in the day and they don’t physically see Him at that time.
Such glorious news of their new life is not just a bit of information they are to nod their heads to. Acceptance of the good news and faith in the One who saves them has repercussions.
Now that you’re saved, it’s vital that you be like your Father who has rescued. This is not an unreasonable request, neither is it something beyond them. The context itself should lead to the conclusion that such a powerful and miraculous work done in their lives evidently has the same power to work in their lives for them to reflect God in His nature.
There is a tendency to water down this aspect of the consequence of believing in Jesus. Phrases like ‘we all make mistakes’ and ‘nobody’s perfect’ can be used as a cover rather than an opportunity to extend grace. The difference is when we offer a cover, we don’t actually address the issue, whereas the power of grace extended reminds us that it is not our own power to be holy that makes us that, it is total dependence on the character of God.
That realisation moves me beyond excuses to embracing the challenge Peter sets out in the first part of the letter. Peter will spend parts of the rest of the letter explaining what that holy living looks like. We are able to comply with God’s requirements when we take the time to remember how we have been saved and how it’s not to do with our ability, our personality or any of our credentials. Thus we don’t have to worry about providing the tools to be holy. It has all been prepared in the light of the good news of Jesus Christ.
It is for us now to rest in this and in the light of this, now that we’re saved, to be holy.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 