A Holy People
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Key Verse: “As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” Selected Scripture: |
IN THIS EPISTLE, Peter addresses the brethren who were scattered throughout various parts of the Roman Empire and, by extension, all of the Lord’s true followers throughout the present Gospel Age. Believers who have been sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit, if obedient to the will of God, have the great hope of obtaining a heavenly reward and to be associated with Christ in his kingdom to bless the human family. Such a prospect will have a stimulating effect upon all the saints as they realize the Heavenly Father’s providence, guidance, and protection relating to their lives.—I Pet. 1:1-5
“Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”—vss. 6,7
Peter then considers the present benefits of our relationship with the Lord, and although we cannot literally see him, through the eye of faith we experience his presence. Thus, we should have fullness of joy, armed with the conviction that he desires to bless and strengthen us in our walk.—vs. 8
“Obtaining the issue of the faith, even your salvation.” (vs. 9, Wilson’s Emphatic Diaglott) Although we actually will see Christ when our deliverance from this earthly sphere is complete, the ultimate purpose of our calling does not relate merely to the reward of the divine nature that will be given to faithful members of the body of Christ, but also to the work of restoring fallen humanity back to perfection and a relationship with God.—I Cor. 15:22,23
We are also assured that we may reverently and soberly approach the Father in prayer because we have been rescued from our previous sinful condition by Christ’s providing a ransom for us.—I Tim. 2:6
The Old Testament prophets searched the Scriptures concerning the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow the completion of his church. “Give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”—II Pet. 1:10,11
Our Key Verses underscore the need to live righteously, to put off the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:17-21), and to strive for holiness of thought, word, and deed, recognizing that the Lord will accept our serious efforts towards this goal. Because of our inherited weaknesses, we can not perform in a perfect manner.
If we have been called of God to a share in the Kingdom whereby we shall reign with Christ to bless the human family, we must be transformed daily by the renewing of our minds, by feeding upon scripture, walking in newness of life, meeting with fellow believers, praying for needed grace, and manifesting obedience to the principles of righteousness.
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”—II Cor. 7:1