1 Peter 1:17-25

1 Peter 1:17-25

There is all too often a horrible and wicked attitude among some who claim to be Christians that once saved, a person is free to behave as they like. We treat forgiveness as an eraser for all past sins and an unlimited credit card for future daily indulgence. Peter destroys any idea that sin can be a part of, or a pastime for the believer. He begins with the dual role of God as both Father and Judge. Any earthly judge who sets aside justice for the benefit of his child would be held in contempt by all people. While God is our Abba, He is also our judge, and our adoption doesn't mean justice is ignored. With this in mind, we choose to behave in specific, holy ways. Fear is the terror associated with squandering our opportunity. It is the fear of the performer who finally gets to play a major role on stage or the athlete who becomes the starter. It is the fear of a disciple who realizes that any choice for sin can, if practiced repeatedly, become a habit and develop into a pattern or the identity of their lives and ultimately become their god, for whose sake they will reject Christ. They didn't lose their salvation; they traded it for a much lesser option. If a person wants to leave Christ, they will not be held against their will. While possible, it is radically foolish. Especially since we have been purchased out of the slavery of sin by the wildly high price of the blood of Christ.

Verse 22 says something that we might find shocking. If we read this casually, we may miss a key point. Peter is saying we purify our souls by our obedience. In what sense is this true? Is this a “works” kind of salvation where we earn our way to heaven? Not at all! It is when we decide to follow Christ, when we choose to follow Christ and become a disciple, then we have our sins washed away we are in obedience to God. When we submit to being baptized, we, in that act of obedience, have our sins remitted. But that is not the end. The habits and patterns of our lives are still impacted by our lives living in the world. We don't suddenly change every habit at baptism. We have to work at developing the life of holiness that we have in Christ. The seed (vs 23) is always like the plant; the plant is always like the seed, but it must grow. A grain of wheat will never grow an apple tree. We have the seed; we must now grow “the life”. God's grace and word will shape us to grow to establish the heart, life, and patterns of the new and holy life.

“Lord, help me to grow into what You have already made me to be.  AMEN”