1 Peter 1:3-9 (NRSV)
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Verse 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, Verse 4and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, Verse 5who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Verse 6In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, Verse 7so that the genuineness of your faith-being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire-may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Verse 8Although you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, Verse 9for you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Devotion
It appears as if judgment day is over! You have already been given the new birth and a new hope in Jesus Christ! The good news of the gospel is that you are now free to get busy living, because Jesus was already busy dying for your salvation.
But we may object to such an intrusive gift: “Don’t I have to work out my salvation in fear and trembling?” Peter, in Acts 2, shows that we have already done plenty. We put God on the cross. That gets to the heart of Peter’s proclamation – the gospel saves by faith, apart from you doing anything.
The last judgment has occurred, and it is in your favor on account of Christ. So now the question is, “What do I do now that everything has been done by Christ?” Perhaps, in light of that, you might end up being some earthly good for this old earth after all!
Prayer
Lord God, thank you for the new hope given to us in Christ. Amen.