08-22-10 PM - How to Be Secure Through Suffering: Know That You Are Saved

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1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God's elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance. - 1Peter 1:1-12


You are chosen of God. (1-2)

Where we live does not matter. We may be poor and suffer hardship but it is only for a season.

We should keep our eyes focused on eternity.

For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. - Heb. 13:14

We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. - 1 Chron. 29:15
The foreknowledge of God has two meanings; one is simply Him having a panoramic view of past, present, and future.

Acts 2:23 This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.
Verse two says that we are also Sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Two things are necessary for salvation:

a. Sanctified by the Spirit – to be made holy, righteous, and pure before God.

Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. - 2 Cor. 7:1

b. Sprinkled or covered by the blood of Jesus.
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! - Heb. 9:14

The blood symbolizes the cleansing of our sin, obedience to God, and covenant relationship which gives us access to His promises.

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 7:21

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. - Romans 10:3

These opening two verses close with grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Grace is the undeserved favor and blessings of God.

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. - 2 Cor. 8:9

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; - Eph. 1:7

Peace means to be bound, joined, and weaved together. It means to be assured, confident, and secure in the love and care of God.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. - John 14:27 

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: - Romans 5:1