Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
Source: The Life Application Study Bible
“GOD the Father chose you long ago, and the Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed Jesus Christ and are cleansed by His blood.” ~ 1 Peter 1:2
Peter encouraged his readers by this strong declaration that they were chosen by GOD the Father. At one time, only the nation of Israel could claim to be GOD’s chosen people; but through Christ, all believers – Jews and Gentiles – belong to GOD. Our salvation and security rest in the free and merciful choice of almighty GOD; no trials or persecutions can take away the eternal life HE gives to those who believe in HIM.
This verse mentions all three members of the Trinity: GOD the Father, GOD the Son (Jesus Christ), and GOD the Holy Spirit. All members of the Trinity work to bring about our salvation. The Father chose us before we chose HIM. – “Long ago, even before HE made the world, GOD loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in HIS eyes.” – Ephesians 1:4 – Paul says that GOD “chose us” to emphasize that salvation depends totally on GOD. We are not saved because we deserve it but because GOD is gracious and freely gives salvation. We did not influence GOD’s decision to save us; HE saved us according to HIS plan. Therefore, there is no way to take credit for our salvation or to allow room for pride. The mystery of salvation originated in the timeless mind of GOD long before we existed. It is hard to understand how GOD could accept us. But because of Christ, we are holy and blameless in HIS sight. GOD chose us, and when we belong to HIM through Jesus Christ, GOD looks at us as if we had never sinned. All we can do is express our thanks for HIS wonderful love.
Jesus Christ, the Son, died for us while we were still sinners. – 6 “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. 7 Now, no one is likely to die for a good person, though some might be willing to die for a person who is especially good. 8 But GOD showed HIS great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. 9 And since we have been made right in GOD’s sight by the blood of Christ, HE will certainly save us from GOD’s judgment. 10 For since we were restored to friendship with GOD by the death of HIS Son while were still HIS enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by His life.” – Romans 5:6-10 We were weak and helpless because we could do nothing on our own to save ourselves. Someone had to come and rescue us. Christ came at exactly the right time in history – according to GOD’s own schedule. GOD controls all history, and HE controlled the timing, method, and events surrounding Jesus’ death. “While we were still sinners” – these are amazing words. GOD sent Jesus Christ to die for us, not because we were good enough, but just because HE loved us. Whenever we feel uncertain about GOD’s love for us, we can remember that HE loved us even before we turned to HIM. The love that caused Christ to die is the same love that sends the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us every day. The power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that saved us and is available to us in our daily life. Be assured that, having begun a life with Christ, we have a reserve of power and love to call on each day for help to meet every challenge or trial. We can pray for GOD’s power and love as we need it.
The Holy Spirit brings us the benefits of salvation and sets us apart (makes us holy, sanctifies us) for GOD’s service. – “As for us, we always thank GOD for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the LORD. We are thankful that GOD chose you to be among the first to experience salvation, a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and by your belief in the truth.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:13 – Paul consistently taught that salvation begins and ends with GOD. We can do nothing to be saved on our own merit – we must accept GOD’s gift of salvation. There is no other way to receive forgiveness from sin. Paul is encouraging us as believers by reminding us that we were chosen by GOD from the beginning. Being made holy is the process of Christian growth through which the Holy Spirit makes us like Christ.
Father GOD, we want to be more like YOUR Son Jesus Christ. We know that we can do nothing to be saved and that we must accept YOUR gift of salvation. LORD, help us to know and understand the Scripture – “For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish, but have ever lasting life”. Father, I pray that we would get the meaning of that Scripture down deep in our hearts. Speak to our spirit man inside of us and help us to understand that it was LOVE that caused Christ to die for us and this is the same love that sends the Holy Spirit to live in us and guide us every day. The power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power that saved us and is available to us in our daily life. We can be assured that, having begun a life with Christ, we have a reserve of power and love to call on each day for help to meet every challenge or trial. We know that now we can pray for YOUR power and YOUR love as we need it. HALLELUJAH!! Praise GOD and Thank You Jesus!!
Photo: Pigeon Forge (Tennessee)
Photographer: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
