1 Peter 1:17-21
In verses 17-19 the Apostle Peter tells us that if we are putting our faith in God, we should live our lives here on earth in reverent fear of Him (which is in great respect for who He is – Almighty God, who will judge each of us in His righteousness when we stand before Him when we die the physical death). God will judge each of us for our works wile on this earth, but without Christ Jesus living within us through His Holy Spirit our works are done in vain. Peter tells us that we were not redeemed with corruption, which is representative of the old life we lived in the sinful nature, but that we were redeemed with the “precious blood of Christ,” in His purity and innocence as of a lamb without spot or blemish. In verse 20 Peter tells us that Jesus was “foreordained” meaning that He was present with God before the world was made. We know from John 1:2 (NKJV), “He was in the beginning with God.” But yet, He was revealed as the incarnate God to those during the time of His earthly ministry so that through Him all may have hope and believe in God who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory.
This is a command that our lives as Christians should be reflective of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
This is a command that our salvation in Christ Jesus should give us great respect for our Father God in heaven.
This is a promise that our works, by which we will all be judged individually before God, are useless unless they are done in reflection of our salvation in Christ Jesus.
When we stand before God to be judged by His righteousness, we all fall short. We are all lost in sin and cannot do anything to redeem ourselves in God’s eyes. But He sent His one and only Son to save the world from sin that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). We learn in John 1:12-13 (NKJV), But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” I ask you today, have you received Him? Have you opened your heart to Him and invited Him in to live within you through His Holy Spirit that He has promised to all who believe in Him (John 14:15-18). Jesus told His disciples that He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). He took our sins and paid for them on the cross. And in return He gives us His righteousness that we may stand before God Almighty blameless; sins paid for and righteousness granted – In Christ.
Dear LORD,
We all have needs and we all call out to You for help when we cannot meet those needs ourselves. Then, we get upset at You for not answering our prayers as we see fit. Please open our eyes to the fact that we don’t make the rules – You do. And we need to comply to Your guidelines for our lives if we expect to call on You in time of need and receive Your help. It is through the blood of Christ Jesus that we are redeemed back to You LORD. Please help us to see that we must open our hearts to Jesus and seek Your will for our lives each day if we want Your blessings on our lives, that we too can be called a child of God. In Jesus name I pray, amen.