1 Peter 1:17-19 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
Reading God's Word in context is of utmost importance when it comes to interpretation and application. When Peter says, "And if you call on the Father", we must remember what he said just before that, about being holy (separated unto God) and living a holy life in the midst of persecution. Our motivation for being holy, as our God is holy, is not only our love for Jesus, but it should also be grounded in a reverent fear, or respect, for the Lord. God is not a God who is partial to anyone. He does not overlook the deeds and action of one person over another as if He finds more favor with one or the other. No one, and I mean no one, is exempt from obeying God's Word, and no one will escape giving an account for their life. So Peter tells us that not only are we to live holy, but we are to do so in reverent fear of offending a perfect and holy God. Joseph was a great example of what living in holy reverent fear looks like. He refused to sleep with his master's wife, not primarily because he would sin against his master, but because His reverent fear of God caused him to realize that the offense would be against the Lord. Our salvation was not cheap. It was bought with something more precious than all the silver and gold in the world. We did not earn it, and we will never be able to earn it. It was bought with the Blood of Jesus; and it was that Blood that purchased us. We now belong to Him, and as such we must live as if we are not our own, because we are not. We belong to Jesus. So today, before we interact with the people the Lord puts before us, let us be mindful of our words, actions, and deeds; and ask ourselves, "Is what I am about to say or do going to show my love for Jesus, and demonstrate respect and fear for my Lord?"
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
No comments:
Post a Comment