The process of our redemption. 1Peter 1: 2
“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” 1Peter 1:1, 2 (NKJV)
Introduction: - In the salutation we see Peter briefly explains the procedure by which God’s election and purposes are fulfilled in our life.
1. God’s foreknowledge. v. 2a.
Not just He knew us before the foundation of the world; God planned, fixed and decreed our election before hand. cf. Eph. 1:4; Isa 46:9, 10; 1Peter 1:20. Just as God planned the death of Christ in eternity, our salvation too was predetermined. cf. Exo. 33:17; Jer 1:5; Amos 3:2; Matt. 7:23. Romans 8:30.
Yes, it is something that we can not understand easily. But this is what the Bible says as the first step in relation to our redemption.
2. Sanctification of the Holy Spirit. v. 2
God’s choice – purposes of eternity- is being worked out by the Holy Spirit. 2 Thess. 2:13. Spirit of God begins to influence one to towards God (cf. Rom 15:5; 16:8) by producing faith (Eph 2:8), repentance (Act 11:15-18), regeneration (Titus 3:5) etc.
Thus through the Spirit’s work God’s plan –election- becomes a reality in us.
Notice, ‘sanctifying’ means ‘to set apart’. Holy Spirit sets apart a believer for God; from Sin to God; darkness to light; and unbelief to faith etc. This sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit continues till our glorification by imparting Christ’s righteousness. It’s a progressive process. cf. Romans 8:28-30; Phil 1:6;
3. Obedience. v. 2b.
God’s eternal purpose doesn’t cancel our part. Many stumble at this reality. As some has observed, two parallel lines never meet!
-God has chosen-purposed.
-We believe –being influenced by Spirit.
True salvation begins and continues in obedience. Rom. 2:8; 6:17; 2Thess 1:8; John 3:36. To obey the gospel is to be saved. But that is not enough, need to keep on obeying. May not be perfect in every thing, but there should be an urge to obey God’s word. 2Cori 10:5; 1John 2:3, 4; 1:8—10; 5:2—7.
Genuine regeneration results in obedience. As we keep on obeying the word of God Spirit of God sanctifies us and we become more and more like unto Christ.
4. Sprinkling by the blood. v. 2c.
Peter refers to the sealing of the covenant God made with Israel in Sinai. When the people of Israel consented to obey all the words of the law, Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, saying “Behold the covenant, which the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.” Exodus 24:3—8. Peter refers to this event to illustrate the truth that the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross acts like a seal to the new Covenant God makes with us. cf. Hebrews 9:19, 20; 12:24; Matt 26:27, 28.
