1 Peter 1:1-2 The extent of grace and peace that an individual receives corresponds to the extent he emulates Christ

1 Peter 1:1-2

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To those who reside as aliens, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.

Background

Peter, who identified himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ wrote to encourage the Jewish diaspora. In his letter, Peter reminds the believers of their divine calling and the inheritance that awaits them in the heavens. Thus, they are to rejoice amid the trials of life and live according to the truth and way of Christ. In so doing, they will attain Christ’s glory and reign with Him forever. Today’s devotion reminds us: The extent of grace and peace that an individual receives corresponds to the extent he emulates Christ.

Observation

Peter addressed his hearers as God’s elect, chosen according to foreknowledge (“prognosis” in Greek). Foreknowledge implies an awareness of something before it exists or happens. By foreknowledge, God acquires insight to the general direction of a person’s life. However, foreknowledge of a person’s life direction is not acquired by peering into a crystal ball. Rather, it is derived from God’s fundamental ability to comprehend man’s innermost being, especially the motives and intents of his heart. It is based on this fundamental ability that God chooses or rejects. In the case of Jacob and Esau before they were born, God said to Rebekah, “… the older (Esau) shall serve the younger (Jacob).” For God saw Esau’s wickedness and rejected him even before he was born. But as for Jacob, God saw his virtues and chose him. 

That said, foreknowledge does not allow for the anticipation of the precise decisions an individual will make. If God knows a man’s choice before he makes them, then man’s will cannot be considered free or sovereign. Put it simply, while God understands the inclinations of an individual’s heart, He does not know the specific choices made in the moment.

God said to Prophet Samuel concerning King Saul, “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.” – 1 Samuel 15:11. God’s regret over Saul attested to the fact that God did not know that Saul would rebel against Him. God chose Saul only because the people specifically asked for a king, a man of war who could deliver them from their enemies. However, God’s choice was never Saul but David, a man after God’s own heart. Because God knew the hearts of both men, His justice and grace did appear inconsistent with His treatment of King Saul in contrast to that of King David. 

Some may question whether God, as the Alpha and Omega, can truly determine the end from the beginning if He does not know man’s every decision before he makes them. The truth is, God’s power to determine the outcomes of all things is not contingent upon human choices. This is where the concept of free will becomes significant: individuals are granted the autonomy to shape their own destinies. For those who choose to follow Jesus, God establishes a covenant with them through Christ’s blood, where He sanctifies them with His Spirit and guides them on the path to salvation.

Truth

The extent of grace and peace that an individual receives corresponds to the extent he emulates Christ.

Peter concluded his greetings with, “May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.” Grace is the outpouring of divine essence; it embodies love that triumphs over hatred and darkness. It provides wisdom to find meaning and solution to life’s challenges. Additionally, it grants supernatural power to destroy the devil’s oppression and opposition. A person filled with God’s grace can overcome anything life throws at him. On the other hand, peace comes from assurance in God’s presence and intervention. The more you sense the presence of God and of the angels, the more peace you will have. Both grace and peace is important, for they enable us to overcome life’s challenges and journey towards salvation without stumbling. 

How then can we attain divine grace and peace? What steps can we take to experience the fullest extent of grace and peace amidst life’s difficulties? The answer lies in emulating Christ; by nurturing His purpose in our daily lives and relinquishing our individual ambitions. Christ’s mission is to transform the community into one that embodies justice, compassion, and humility. Therefore, our vocations serve as mere avenues to advance these principles. Thus, wherever we may be, whatever we do, we are the face of Christ to the world, emanating divine grace and peace.

Application

The most significant aspect to God is your attitude towards your work, irrespective of how it is valued by others. In all your endeavors, approach them as though Christ Himself is doing them to glorify God. And divine grace and peace will be yours in the fullest measure.

Prayer

Dear Lord, examine my heart and let me know if there are sins that I may have missed. Grant me more of your grace to understand and solve intricate challenges. Provide me peace through your presence as I encounter seemingly insurmountable issues. And help me manifest your presence to those around me. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.