IDENTITY IN CHRIST
1 Peter 1:1-5
Vv.1-2: “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect...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 of His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”
Did you hear that Peter called you God’s elect? Peter was addressing people who were being persecuted (PER-see-CUTE-d means mistreated) around year 60. (Around 1,950 years ago). This must have encouraged those people, and it should surely encourage us today.
When the Wise Men found baby Jesus, news spread like wildfire that He came for the Jews, and for Gentiles! January’s devotions centered on “Jesus” topics, and this last one is to encourage you. Jesus is for you. The Father sent Jesus to die, so that your sins may be forgiven, AND to teach you about Himself, through His Son. Those who believe in Jesus—and appoint Him Lord of their lives—the indwelling Holy Spirit empowers and seals as God’s possession (Ephesians 1:13). God has great things planned for you. That’s pure love. What three things remind believers of their identity in Christ?
Believers are chosen in Christ. Everyday is a good time to remind ourselves who we are in the Lord, AND Whose we are. This means, that where every person is offered the free gift of salvation in Jesus—only those who believe in Him are the elect—on the basis of free will (John 3:16, Romans 1:20). God wants you. God chose you. You belong to Him.
Salvation is purely an act of mercy. Titus 3:5 says, “...He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” No one can claim their good works earned them a place in heaven.
Believers in Christ are protected. Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” The only way hardship can touch us is what the Lord allows. Hardship (what ends up as discipline) is for our own good: to grow, to learn, to mature in Christ. Psalm 23:4 assures us, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me;...”
Those whose identity is in Christ succeed and prevail with joy.
Take Home Nugget
These are trying times. When we focus upon who we are in Jesus Christ—Who purchased our lives with His blood—we stand tall and firm. Let us live boldly, as victorious, chosen, assured, protected, and beloved adopted children of the most High God!
Because God’s really there,
We can endure anything.
He reveals love, mercy, and care
As we depend on Him for everything.
J.D. Griffith
A personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Written for http://www.biblestudyforkids.com/
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment