Abide Together: Reflections on 1 Peter 1 and 2

In 1 Peter 1, the Lord through Peter writes to multiple churches that are under heavy persecution.  He first reminds them that they are loved by God, because God the Father, God the Holy Spirit and God the Son have all been involved in their salvation. He also reminds them that this salvation is secure, because they are protected by the power of God. Their salvation is something so unique that the angles long to understand or experience it.  Their redemption was also purchased by the precious blood of Jesus. They have been born again through the living and enduring word of God.  All these things that Peter mentions regarding their salvation/redemption would remind them of how much God loved them.  Lord, thank You for loving me so much that You went to great lengths to redeem me from the penalty of my sin and make me Your son.

In 1 Peter 2, the Lord through Peter begins with “Therefore” – pointing back to their great salvation.  Based on this salvation their behavior should be different than it was before they knew Christ. He urges them to abstain from fleshy lust and keep their behavior excellent before those who do not know the Lord.  Peter wanted to stress that those who have been transformed by the redeeming grace of God will have their behavior transformed as well.  Lord, by Your grace may my behavior be excellent in this world, so that You are glorified.

– Bryan McKenzie