Salvation for which the Prophets Inquired and Searched 1 Peter 1:10

Peter the apostle told the Christians who were “scattered abroad” they would “receive the end of” their “faith” which was “the salvation of” their “souls”. In chapter one and verse ten of his letter Peter told the Christians this “salvation” was one for which “the prophets have enquired and searched diligently” where we read:

Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently,

who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

The verse begins, “Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently,...” Peter began, “Of which salvation” which means “the deliverance, preservation and safety” “the prophets” or “men filled with the Spirit of God, who by God's authority and command in words of weight pleads the cause of God and urges salvation of men” “have enquired” or “sought out, investigate, scrutinized, begged and craved” “and searched diligently” which means “to seek out and investigate anxiously”. The salvation Peter referred to was investigated and searched for diligently by the prophets who shared their prophesies with us.

The verse goes on to say, “...who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:” Peter continued, “who prophesied” or “spoke forth by divine inspirations or predict” “of the grace” which refers to “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness and unmerited favor” “that should come unto” or “be towards, into, for and among” “you” which refers to “the Christians scattered abroad”. The prophets foretold about the “grace” and “unmerited favor” that was to be extended not only to the early Christians, but to us as well.

When we meditate upon Peter's words, we may think of prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and more. All of these men desired to know of the “salvation” of which the “Christians” knew, and yet they did not know it in the same manner in which these who were “scattered abroad” knew. Even though the prophets “sought diligently” for the “salvation” which they knew, they did not know it as these early Christians did. The prophets spoke of “the grace” that was promised, but they did not experience it in the same manner for themselves. We too have the privilege of knowing “this salvation” and “grace”, and though the prophets could only share about it, we know it, and for all who will receive Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord, they may know it as well. Let us rejoice in this wonderful privilege in knowing what not even the prophets knew.

Next time Peter shares how the prophets “testified beforehand” of the “sufferings” and “glory” of Christ, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ;  download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The End of Your Faith 1 Peter 1:9

As Peter continued his letter to the Christians who were "scattered abroad", he shared how even though they had not seen Jesus, they believed in Him and this caused them to "rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory". In chapter one and verse nine of his letter, Peter shared how the "end of their faith" would be the "salvation" of their "souls". We read:

Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

The verse begins, “Receiving the end of your faith,...” Peter began with the word, "receiving" which means "tending to, taking care of or bringing" "the end" or "termination, the limit at which a thing ceases to be, the finish or the close" "of your faith" which refers to "the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ". In other words, we will receive the close and final end to our trust and faith in Jesus Christ.

The verse goes on to say, “...even the salvation of your souls.” Peter continued with the phrase, "even the salvation" or "deliverance, preservation and safety" "of your souls" which refers to "the breath of life, the seat of feelings, desires, affections, aversions, and the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death". The final outcome of our faith in Jesus will be the "deliverance, preservation and safety" of our souls.

When we think about Peter's words, we find great cause to be filled with exuberant joy as we have this promise that our souls will be saved. Our trust and faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord will result in our eternal salvation, and this promise is to all who will receive Him. May all who read these words believe and understand the wonderful promise Peter has given us in this verse.

Next time Peter shares how “the prophets searched diligently” for this salvation, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ;  download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory 1 Peter 1:8

Peter shared great promises with the Christians who were “scattered” throughout Asia. These promises would come without “trials” of their faith which would lead to “praise, honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ”. In chapter one and verse eight of his letter, Peter shares how these Christians' love for Jesus, even though they had not seen him, had them rejoicing “with joy unspeakable and full of glory”. We read:

Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not,

yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

The verse begins, “Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not,...” Peter began with the phrase, “Whom having not seen” which is the Greek phrase “eidō ou eidō eidō” and means “have seen, perceived, noticed, discerned and discovered” “you love” which means “to be welcome, entertained, fond of, pleased, and contented with”; “in whom” which refers to “Jesus”, “though now” or “just now, at this moment or very time” “you see him not” which means “do not perceive, know, care for, pay heed to or experience Him”. The Christians to whom Peter was writing had never seen Jesus with their eyes, and yet they “loved” Him.

The verse goes on to say, “...yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” Peter continued, “yet believing” or “think to be true, are persuaded of, credited, and place confidence in”, “you rejoice” which means “exult and are exceeding glad” “with joy” or “gladness, cheerfulness and calm delight” “unspeakable” which means “not spoken out and unutterable” “and full of glory” which means “praise, extol, magnification, celebration, honor, adorned with luster and clothed with splendor”. The Christians' love for Jesus drove them to “believe” in Him, and this resulted in them being filled with “joy which was unutterable” and “praise with celebration and honor”.

When we meditate upon Peter's words, we think about the fact that we, like these Christian believers at Peter's time, have not seen the face of Jesus. Peter saw Jesus, but they had not, and neither have we. Yet they believed in Jesus, and we do too. This belief, according to Peter, has them and us “rejoicing” with a joy “without words to describe it”, and it is indeed, “praiseworthy and filled with luster and splendor”. May the Lord Jesus help us to realize the benefits of “joy” that are available simply by believing and trusting in Him.

Next time Peter shares about “receiving the end of your faith”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Dogs Rule

While walking down the street one day

I noticed quite the scene

dogs were taking walks with people

both of them in sync

Bags they had within their hands

with dogs both small and large

For soon their dogs would have them reach

to pick up their discharge

(Chorus)

Hey now, pick up your poo, yeah

pick up your poo, yeah

dogs are ruling you (repeat)

And while they walk the owners find

in yards along the way

metal warning No! No! signs

with humping dogs in frame

So walk they will until their time

when duty makes its call

soon they'll fill their plastic bags

with excrement of dog

(Chorus)

Hey now, pick up your poo, yeah

pick up your poo, yeah

dogs are ruling you (repeat)

And proudly they will tote their bags

and carry them with glee

and note their neighbors holding theirs

acknowledging the scene

And save their water from their do

these proud dog owners be

while rescuing their swell dog's poo

who rule as king and queen

(Chorus)

Hey now, pick up your poo, yeah

pick up your poo, yeah

dogs are ruling you (repeat)

The Trial of Your Faith 1 Peter 1:7

Peter the apostle told the Christians who were “scattered abroad” that even though they had the promise of “and inheritance incorruptible, undefiled and that fades not away”, they would be “in heaviness through manifold temptations” or trials. In chapter one and verse seven of his letter, Peter encourages the Christians by sharing the benefit of the “trial of” their “faith” where we read:

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

The verse begins, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire,...” Peter began with the phrase, “That the trial” or “proving, trying or testing” “of your faith” or “the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ”, “being much” or “many or largely” “more precious” which means “of great price, held in honor, esteemed and especially dear” “than of gold” or “precious metal which has been smelted and wrought” “that perishes” which means “destroyed, put out of the way entirely, abolished, put to an end, ruined or rendered useless” “though it be tried” which means “examined, proved, scrutinized, approved and deemed worthy” “with fire” or “fiery like lightning”. The reason for the “manifold temptations” was so the Christians' “faith” would be proved and tried.

The verse goes on to say, “...might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:” Peter added, “might be found” which means “come or hit upon, met with, found by inquiry, thought, examination, scrutiny, observation, practice and experience” “unto praise” or “approbation and commendation” “and honor” which means “valuing by which the price is fixed, deference and reverence” “and glory” or “opinion, judgment, view, estimate, splendor, brightness, magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace and majesty” “at the appearing” which refers to “laying bare, disclosing or manifesting” “of Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” “Christ” which means “the anointed One” and “the messiah”. When their “faith” was “tried” it would lead to three “praise, honor and glory” which Jesus Christ comes again.

When we think through Peter's words, we begin to understand the reason our “faith” is “tested and proved”. Our “faith” is more valuable than the precious metal of gold, and when it goes through the “testing fires” called “trials”, it grows more and more pure before the Lord Jesus. Eventually our “faith” and “trust” in Jesus Christ will be adoration to Him, and He certainly deserves “praise, honor and glory”. May we evermore realize when our “faith is tested”, our circumstances and the Lord are purifying it so we may return it unto Him as worship.

Next time Peter shares about rejoicing “with joy unspeakable and full of glory:”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Tinsel

A tree a tree until it be

resting 'pon a stand

with wrap below the leaning branch

beneath the towered bands

A train surrounds its sturdy base

with smoke and whistles blown

While Christmas tunes flow from it's side

and sings out merry tones

String the lights with twinkling bulbs

one knows that they come first

Patterns weave throughout the tree

hide spots which are the worst

Conceal the pickle and cage filled quests

and set the church with steeple

avoid the sap, enjoy the scent

of spruce laced prickly needles

Nostalgic one stand poised to take

a trinket in your hand

the ornaments from days gone by

both rich and not so grand

Porcelain and china glass

of places far beyon'

Popsicle sticks with child pics

in glued stitched colored yarn

Pics of mom and dad and son

and daughter set in frames

Of course there's grandma grandpa

lest tree not be the same

A tribute to our country next

army, navy, marines

air force and even coast guard

now dangle from a string

Then One by one the colored balls

are set upon the tree

First red, then blue and Christmas green

in gold ones faces seen

Then strands of popcorn needles' laced

thread with a purple string

with colored beads and golden chains

and silver bells that ring

Finally the tinsel comes

one strand set at a time

should never one dress this in clumps

for that would be a crime

One by one the strands are placed

with care upon the tree

a glimmer here a sparkle there

brilliance beyond decree

One final touch the candy canes

with hooks caressing branches

temptation to remove the sweets

where children take their chances

Not to be unleft undone

the star on crescent top

the message cast for reason why

the tree's important prop

And lest the tree remain to stay

the fallen needles be

Reminders of the fleeing life

twas once within the tree

And soon the ornaments removed

in boxes havens' rest

to wait upon another tree

twill be the next year's quest

And lest the tree make quite the mess

without the house it goes

to rest with others cast out too

the carcass by the road

Alas the tree now rests beside

the curb beyond the street

with tinsel strands within it's branch

those left for all to see

And thus with us as Christmas trees

our ornaments are placed

with strands and strings of glimmer lights

our lives in rapid pace

And as we age we come to know

the tinsel strand by strand

the shinny ones and not so sweet

the memories quite grand

And soon we too shall be removed

from houses, fields and lands

and there in tombstone graveyard

we'll make our final stand

And though we too shall be removed

the tinsel on our tree

twill be remembered strands we hung

tis all that others see

So tinsel add and tinsel make

as much as may be strung

for tinsel be the memories

for when our life be done

A Season of Manifold Temptations 1 Peter 1:6

The Christians to whom Peter the apostle wrote were “kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time”. Peter told them they were to receive “an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled that fades not away”, and in verse six of the first chapter of his letter, he mentioned “a season” of “manifold temptations” where we read:

Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season,

if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

The verse begins, “Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season,...” Peter began with the word, “wherein” which means “in, by or with” “you greatly rejoice” which is the Greek phrase “hos agalliaō” and means “exult or be exceedingly glad”, “though now” or “just now, this moment or at this time” “for a season” which refers to a “little, small, few in number, quantity or size time, degree or intensity”. Peter knew the Christians to whom he was writing were “kept by the power of God” and had the “hope of an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away” which is “reserved in heaven for” them, but he also knew they were in the midst of “a season” of trial which he discloses in the next part of this verse.

The verse continues, “...if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations:” Peter added, “if need be” or “it is necessary, brought on by circumstances or the conduct of others, duty or equity”, “you are in heaviness” which means “made sorrowful, afflicted with sadness, caused to grieve, offended and made uneasy” “through manifold” or “diverse and various sorts, variegated” “temptations” which means “an experiment, trial and proving”. Peter extended the possibility that it would not be necessary for the Christians to go through “trials”, however, he knew they were “in heaviness” and made sorrowful because there were various “temptations” they endured.

When we meditate upon Peter's words, we may be able to identify with the “manifold temptations” or trials of which he wrote. Though we have the hope of “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away”, there will be “diverse” “temptations” along the way. These “trials” will cause us to be “sorrowful and sad” and will at times make us “grieve”, however, the Lord Jesus has a purpose in them. Peter will share what that is in our next verse.

Next time Peter shares about “the trial of faith” being “found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Kept by the Power of God 1 Peter 1:5

Peter told the Christians who were “scattered abroad” that God the Father and Jesus Christ blessed them with a “lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”, and this would afford them “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away” which is “reserved in heaven for” them. In chapter one and verse five of his letter, Peter tells them they are “kept by the power of God” where we read:

Who are kept by the power of God through faith

unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

The verse began, “Who are kept by the power of God through faith...” Peter began with the phrase, “Who are kept” which means “guarded, protected and watched to preserve them for the attainment of something” “by the power” or “strength, ability and resources” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “through faith” which means “the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things and is the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ”. Not only is there a promise of the reservation of an incorruptible, unfading inheritance, but “the power of God” which is received simply by believing and trusting in Him will “guard, protect, watch and preserve” those who receive Him as Lord and Savior.

The verse continues, “...unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” Peter added, “unto salvation” or “deliverance, preservation and safety” “ready” which means “prepared, opportune and seasonable” “to be revealed” or “uncovered, made known, disclosed and made bare” “in the last time” which refers to “extreme and uttermost opportune and fixed and definite time which things are brought to crisis”. The promise of the “keeping power of God” will lead believers to “salvation” which will be “uncovered and disclosed” at a “fixed and definite time”.

When we think through Peter's words, we should be rejoicing at the “keeping power of God”. Not only does He promise us an “inheritance”, but He will also “keep” us in the faith by His great “power”. If we consider the power of God created this universe, keeps it together and in order, and gave each of us life and “salvation”, there is nothing that will be able to pull us out of His hand. We, who believe in Jesus, will be “kept by the power of God”, and as we are, He shall reveal His “salvation” at the proper and right time.

Next time Peter shares about being “season of heaviness”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

An Incorruptible Inheritance 1 Peter 1:4

As Peter wrote to the “elect of God” told them how they were “begotten again” through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In chapter one and verse four of his letter, Peter told the “scattered” Christians about “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled” where we read:

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled,

and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you,

The verse begins, “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled,...” Peter began with the phrase, “to an inheritance” or “property received or what is given to one as a possession” “incorruptible” which means “uncorrupted, not liable to corruption or decay, imperishable and immortal”, “and undefiled” or “unsoiled, free from that by which the nature of a thing is deformed and debased or when its force and vigor is impaired”. The promise given by Peter was “a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”, but he did not finish his thought there, this promise is one that will not “decay, perish or die” and it is “free” from deformity and impairment.

The verse goes on to say, “...and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you,” Peter added the phrase, “and that fades not away” or “unfading and perennial” “reserved” which means “to attend to carefully, take care of, guard and to keep in the state it is” “in heaven” or “the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it and the region above the sidereal heavens and the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings” “for you” which refers to the Christians who have been “scattered” throughout Asia. Not only does being “born again” promise us a “lively hope” which is imperishable and unsoiled, but it will never “fade away”, and it is carefully guarded and kept safe “in heaven” for us.

When we think about these awesome words of Peter, we should remember who is sharing them. This is Peter, the great apostle, whom Jesus kept close to him, kept charge over him, gave him authority among the other disciples and restored him after denying Him. Peter knew of this promised “incorruptible inheritance”, and he knew not only was this promised “reserved” for himself, but also for all those who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to plant the idea of this wonderful promise which is “reserved” and being carefully kept “in heaven” for us.

Next time Peter will share about being “kept by the power of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Begotten Again 1 Peter 1:3

Peter, the apostle, wrote to the “strangers scattered” throughout the lands of Asia, and called them the “elect according to the foreknowledge of God”. In chapter one and verse three of his letter, Peter shared how “God and Jesus” by “abundant mercy” has “begotten us again” where we read:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

The verse begins, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,...” Peter began with the word, “Blessed” which means “praised or adorable” “be the God” which refers to “the Godhead and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “and Father” or “generator male ancestor who is the originator and transmitter of anything” “of our Lord” which means “he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding, the master and the title given to God the Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” “Christ” which means “the anointed one and the Son of God”. The message Peter gave to the “scattered” Christians was directly from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

The verse goes on to say, “...which according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,...” Peter went on to say, “which according” or “down from, throughout, toward or along” “to his abundant” which means “many, much and large” “mercy” or “kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them” “has begotten us again” which in Greek is the phrase “anagennaō hēmas anagennaō” means “to produce again, be born again, born anew and to have one's mind changed so that he lives a new life conformed to the will of God” “unto a lively” which means “to live, breathe, and be among the living” “hope” or “the expectation of a good, joyful, and confident eternal salvation” “by the resurrection” or “raising or rising up” “of Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” “Christ” which means “the anointed One and the Son of God” “from the dead” which is a reference to “one who has breathed his last, lifeless, deceased, departed, destitute of life and inanimate”. By God and Jesus' “large and overwhelming kindness and goodwill”, we have the opportunity to be “born again” because Jesus was resurrected “from the dead”.

When we meditate upon Peter's words, we should be excited that the Lord Jesus by His resurrection made it possible for us to be “begotten again” or “born again”. In the gospel of John in chapter three and verse three, Jesus told Nicodemus, the Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, “You must be born again” or he would not see “the kingdom of God”. Peter assured those to whom he wrote and us that Jesus forged the way to us to be “born again” by way of His resurrection from the grave after dying on the cross. We should shout “Hallelujah!” or “Praise be to Jehovah” for His “abundant mercy” and grace.

Next time Peter will share about our “inheritance”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Elect According to God's Foreknowledge 1 Peter 1:2

Peter introduced himself as “an apostle of Jesus Christ”, and addressed his letter to the Christians who were “scattered abroad” throughout areas of “Asia”. In chapter one and verse two of his letter, Peter shared how these Christians were the “elect according to the foreknowledge of God” where we read:

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

The verse begins, “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,...” Peter began with the word, “Elect” which means “picked out, chosen or selected” “according” or “down from, through out, toward and along” “to the foreknowledge” which means “forethought or pre-arrangement” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead, trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “the Father” who is “the generator or male ancestor and the originator and transmitter of anything”. God the Father chose these people to whom Peter wrote because He knew in advance who would receive Him as Savior and Lord.

The verse goes on to say, “... through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ:” Peter continued, “through sanctification” which means “consecration and purification” “of the Spirit” which refers to “the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son”, “unto obedience” or “compliance or submission shown in observing the requirements of Christianity” “and sprinkling” which means “blood of sprinkling serving to purify” “of the blood” or “blood shed by violence, slaying or murder” “of Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” “Christ” which means “anointed Messiah”. The reason God “elected” these followers was because Jesus gave them access to Himself by the “consecration and purification” “of the Holy Spirit” of God by Jesus “sprinkling His blood” and being “obedient” to the plan of Salvation which God designed.

Finally the verse says, “Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.” Finally Peter wrote, “Grace” which means “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, goodwill, loving-kindness and unmerited favor” “unto you” which refers to “the Christians who are scattered abroad” “and peace” which means “tranquility, harmony, concord, security, safety, prosperity and felicity”, “be multiplied” or “increased and abounded”. This typical greeting for Peter's day which included both the Greek greeting “charis” and the Jewish greeting “eirēnē” was Peter's way of desiring the best for the Christians to whom he was writing.

When we think through these words of Peter, we might find it interesting to think that God “chose” people, and we may wonder if there are people whom He does “not choose”. God knows all, and He knows in advance who will receive Him as Savior and Lord. Jesus paid the “sacrifice” for our salvation by shedding His blood upon the cross and dying for our sins, and He opened the door for “whosoever will” to receive and come unto Him. May the Lord help us to know Jesus and His “election” of us as we study more of Peter's words.

Next time Peter will shares about being “begotten again”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.