First Peter

Verses six through nine: The word “wherein” draws the reader back to verses 4 & 5 where the apostle speaks of receiving the inheritance (salvation) that is now in heaven awaiting the descent of the Messiah at the end of the age. At this point Peter reminds saints that there is a reason for the world’s hatred of them (Lk. 6:22/Jn. 15:18). This trying of one’s faith is essential in that the believer’s reaction to it will determine who will receive the inheritance (salvation) promised. Only those who, in the face of those who hate them, will obey the Word of the Lord with faith in Jesus Christ. Saints are told to rejoice in their trials and tribulations for “righteousness’ sake” in that such persecution proves that they are children of God. Persecution for any other religious reason, such as belonging to the “wrong” denomination, is not Scripturally-defined persecution. Verse 9 proves that salvation of the soul is the END RESULT of one’s walking in obedience and faith “to the end” (Mat. 10:22), that it is not awarded upon completion of a prescribed ritual which the Counterfeit Church calls the “salvation experience.” What the church refers to as being “saved” is in reality merely the recognition of one’s need for forgiveness of the church’s concept of sin. Church-defined sin bears no relation to God-defined sin put forth in the Scriptures.

Verses ten through thirteen: Verses 10-12 recall that the Old Testament prophets prophesied about the salvation of an end-time church, a phenomenon that had been revealed to them by the Holy Spirit which the angels desire to “look into.” Remember that saints will judge the angels (1 Cor. 6:3) who, not having to endure what saints have endured, will be subservient to them.

The salvation gospel was preached unto the New Covenant Church by the apostles who were operating under the power of the Spirit. Would that we all believed and obeyed that gospel as they preached and wrote it. Only those who do so will enter into God’s promised inheritance. In verses 10 & 13 Peter again makes it clear that God’s grace-provided salvation (inheritance) is not at this time in the possession of His true saints, but will “be delivered unto you at the revelation (revealing/appearing) of Jesus Christ” at His second coming.

Verses fourteen through eighteen: Peter tells us how to remain in God’s salvation-producing grace until death or Christ’s return–we must be holy FOR He is holy in every aspect of our lives– the “work” He requires of us. Note it: WE MUST “WALK AS HE WALKED” while He was on the earth (1 Jn. 2:6). Jesus was made a man and endured the treatment of godless men so as to provide a model for those who would live with Him eternally. That holy Model must be emulated in order to join Him in the Kingdom of God. Those who FEAR HIM will prove their fear by 1) believing and obeying His Holy Scriptures, and 2) by rejecting the “vain traditions” they have received from their religious fathers whom the Lord calls false prophets. L.J.