A Minute With The Bible Aired during May, 2001 Peter stated in I Peter 1:8, "...whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory." The apostle has seen Jesus Christ. He was privileged to witness his resurrection and he would touch the Lord. Those to whom he is writing had not that grand experience. However, they accepted the evidence set forth by the apostles and inspired men and accepted the fact that Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. The disciples loved the Lord and rejoiced in their faith. For those who believe and accept the truths of the New Testament, the same reactions will be in their hearts. When we acknowledge the evidence for the resurrection, we will be willing for follow the instructions of Christ and the apostles. The resurrection is meaningless unless we are willing to devote our minds and our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ.
In I Peter 1:22, the apostle informed his readers, "Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently." It is not unusual for some religious people to scoff at the suggestion that one must obey the gospel and practice what is taught therein to be saved. The doctrine of "faith only" violates this passage, as well as many other passages. Obedience IS expected of one who desires to please God. Obedience DOES keep one on the path of righteousness, leading one to heaven. Obedience MUST be a part of the life of a Christian from the moment of baptism to one's dying breath. When one's faith and hope rest in Jehovah, there is no hesitancy to follow what Jehovah's Son commands in His word. Do not be foolish, my friend. Seek the Lord, obey His will and live a righteous life: that will take you to heaven!
Peter informed those to whom he wrote, in I Peter 1:23, "...having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth." People are not Christians as a result of the teachings of men. While there are many fine and profitable works that have been written by the sincere, they ARE NOT the word of God. The inspired scriptures is that of which Peter speaks. Only what is revealed therein can bring forgiveness of sins, peace with God, and everlasting life. The incorruptible seed is "the word of God." Nothing can take its place. Not all of the finest books and treatises can replace the one book that God has given to mankind. The answer to eternal life does not rest in the disciplines and manuals of various denominations, but in the word of the living God. It is the ONLY hope we have for eternity. Do you accept, by faith, what is revealed in the New Testament?
In I Peter 2:1-2, the apostle admonished, "Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, as newborn babies, long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation." The life of a Christian is a dedicated life to righteousness. While they are not without faults, the disciples of Christ will make it their aim to abstain from anything that will corrupt their morals. Hence, the apostle is warning concerning those sins that defile a person's soul and jeopardize his standing in God's sight. While the world is filled with wickedness, steeped in guile, abounds with hypocrisy, overrun with envy, and speech tainted with evil,the one who would follow Jesus Christ will avoid such transgressions. The follower of God's Son does not let the\ influences of Satan control his/her life. My friend, who influences your life? God or Satan?
When Peter addressed the early disciples, he stated in I Peter 2:5, "Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." The nature of a Christian is described in this verse. They are living stones in God's spiritual house. Each one is a priest(there was not a special priesthood in the early church). Each disciple offered up acceptable sacrifices each day to the God who created him. Not animal sacrifices, but the sacrifices of a righteous life. Over the centuries there developed a clergy/laity distinction that did not exist in the early church. The New Testament reveals nothing about the distinctions that men often make. Each disciple was personally responsible to God and lived a life of dedication and sacrifice. My friend, you and you alone, will answer to God. There is no special priesthood to absolve your sins. Only God can do that!
Peter said, "For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guild found in his mouth"(I Peter 2:21-22). The only perfect one who ever lived was Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example for each of us in believing and living as God would have us to live. He willingly suffered for us because of our sins. He set an example in his life that can be followed through the centuries. His speech reflected righteousness and kindness, yet with boldness and without fear. The passage goes on to point out that he did not retaliate and he did not threaten, but committed himself to the Father. When he suffered on the cross, he died for my sins and for your sins. No greater sacrifice could have been made. Just remember: the only perfect being who ever lived on this earth was Jesus Christ and they crucified Him.
Peter wrote in I Peter 3:1-2, "In like manner, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, even if any obey not the word, they may without the word be gained by the behavior of their wives; beholding your chaste behavior coupled with fear." The power of an example cannot be underestimated. People see what you are by what you do. The wife of this passage is admonished to show proper respect to her husband. The mate may not want to listen to a sermon, but can certainly see the righteousness in one who is obeying the Lord's word. Through such an example, whether a mate, a friend, a relative, or a neighbor, one can become acquainted with the truth of God's word. Look about you, my friend. Do you see folks who are setting a righteous example, following the word of the Lord, and being dedicated to righteousness? Don't you want to be like that person? You can if you try! Just follow the teachings of Christ.
Speaking of the behavior of wives who are Christians, I Peter 3:4 states, "...but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." All religion originates in the heart. Not the physical blood pump, but the mind(the thinking part) of a person. From the heart men accept or reject the Lord and His word. When one is living from the heart those teachings of the gospel of Christ, the outward appearance and actions will show such. Possessing a "quiet and meek spirit," a Christian will go about his/her daily affairs, setting a proper example to all of those whom they contact. What type of person is presented through our behavior? The Lord recognizes and accepts the humility in a righteous person. If the Lord is looking into your heart now(and he is), what does he see? Does he see the meek and quiet spirit of a Christian?
I Peter 3:8-9 reveals, "Finally, be you all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded: not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing." The attitude of a person determines the actions of a person. You can always identify one who is walking by the Lord's word. His life demonstrates it. Peter is outlining the qualities of the righteous person. There is to be righteous agreement, a care for others, a love for those of likemind, a heart that can be touched, and a spirit of humility. When you see such a person, it is an inspiration. Such a one gives hope in despair; encouragement in the midst of problems; strength in periods of weakness; and--reinforces a belief in the power of the Lord and His word. Have you seen a Christian today? This describes one--are YOU one?
"But sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear"(I Peter 3:15). The Lord does expect us to be able to defend what we believe, teach, and practice. Without the knowledge and understanding of the truth, we could not give anyone a reason for our belief. Oh yes, we understand there are those who try to justify their faith by appeal to human reasoning rather than Bible truth. It is also evident that many will defend what they believe because of their parents or other resources. When one, from the heart, respects Christ and His will, the answers come from the New Testament. The will of Christ guides the Christian in all matters of faith and practice. When it comes to defending the faith and giving others an answer, make sure that what we say is from the word of God.
An apostle of Christ wrote, "For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men's matters: but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in his name"(I Peter 4:15-16). Men suffer for many things. Most of it is one's own fault and much of it is the result of misconduct and/or misbehavior. How many times have we found ourselves in difficulties because we did something wrong, failed to do something right, or meddled in someone's business? At some time, every person has found himself in that situation. Peter, however, says that it might be necessary to suffer because one is a Christian. Rather than regret, one is to glorify the God of Heaven, praising God, and not be ashamed because of such trials. When we are faithful to God's commands, we have nothing to regret even though we face many temptations.
"For the time will come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?"(I Peter 4:17). Someday each of us will face the judgment of the Creator of all mankind. There will be no escape from this judgment. There will be no excuses accepted. Even those who are Christians will be tried along with all of the people who have lived, from Adam to the last living being. There will be no way to avoid what God has decreed will happen. The time that one has in this life is the time that one prepares to face that judgment. While many do not believe what God says, others believe in some way they will escape, and many do not care, it is inevitable according to this passage as well as other scriptures. And yes, you and I will be in that number. Are you preparing by obeying the gospel of Christ and living a faithful life, my friend? It is your soul.
The apostle Peter warned, "Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour"(I Peter 5:8). As we go about our daily lives, we need to be conscious of the efforts of Satan to capture our souls. It takes self-control and being alert in order to face the temptations of the devil. He lies in wait, at all times, to devour the unwary. He also goes about as a ferocious beast, trying to ensnare those who are not prepared to face his attacks. Satan is not a figment of some man's imagination, as some would have us believe. He is the principle adversary of God and of mankind. It was his temptations that captured Adam and Eve. He continues to the present day stalking his prey. Let no one misunderstand: Satan is alive and well! The weapon that God has given us to face him is the Sword of the Spirit, that is, the word of God. When he attacks, use the truth.
The assurance of II Peter 1:3, gives those who follow the word of God faith and hope. "Seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue." This passage speaks to the power of the New Testament. The writers of the book of God were inspired to reveal those things that would lead men to the Lord. Through this revelation, one can learn to become a Christian, live as a Christian, and face death with the assurance that one can live in eternity in heaven. No other book can take its place. There have been no revelations since the completion of the New Testament because God supplied all that was needed spiritually in that book. The claims of latter day revelations contradict this passage. The faithful disciple accepts the will of Christ as "all things that pertain unto life and godliness"...and respects and obeys its commandments.
The Bible plainly says, "...which after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ"(I Peter 3:21). The Bible is very clear on the essentiality of one being immersed for the remission of sins(Acts 2:38). The apostle Peter, in the passage quoted, made it plain that baptism does affect one's salvation. When one has heard the gospel, believed in Jesus Christ, repented of one's sins, and confessed Christ with the mouth, the next action is baptism in order to become a Christian. One is to be faithful unto death(Revelation 2:10) after becoming a disciple of Christ. This is God's plan; not men's idea. Have you done what God commanded in His book? If not, why not?
The prophet Isaiah said, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!"(Isaiah 5:20). If a society ever existed that needs to heed these words, it is our present generation. There is no way that evil can be justified, regardless of the arguments that are presented, the laws that approve such, and the attitudes of society. Man does not decide what is morally acceptable: God does! Man does not decide that evil is OK: God condemns it! Many generations ago, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed for their iniquities. Their wickedness reached the point that God would no longer tolerate their behavior. And yet, there was Lot, a righteous man, who was spared because he did not approve nor participate in their sins. Let each of us avoid such sins of the flesh and resolve to be holy and righteous.
Hebrews 10:31 states, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Paul was using the Old Testament examples to impress upon the Hebrews the necessity of following the New Testament. When one rejects Jesus Christ, and his holiness, he has rejected the only hope that God offers for salvation. When the conduct of a person does not measure up to the standards Christ has revealed, they are in spiritual trouble with the God of Heaven. As we walk day by day following the flesh rather than the spirit, we are deciding our own spiritual doom. Each one of us is individually responsible to the Lord. If one walks in the light of God's truth and lives a righteous life, there will be no fear when we stand in the presence of God to give an account of our behavior upon this earth. Just remember what the writer has warned, "IT IS a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
The prophet Isaiah, in Isaiah 59:2, stated the problems of the Israelites, "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins had hid his face from you, so that he will not hear." Sin brings problems to those of today as well as it did for those who lived in the prophet's time. Sin is a barrier to pleasing the divine Creator. The only way to solve the problem is to practice righteousness. The Hebrews of the Old Testament did not learn this lesson. Hence, Isaiah rebuked them for their sinfulness. Is it any different today? Men do sin and sin separates one from Jesus Christ. While the Lord died to take away sins, the majority of mankind has not yet realized the need for removing sin by obeying the New Testament of Jesus Christ. Are you following the Lord by keeping His word? Have you searched the will of Christ to determine how sin can be removed? Do so today!
In Acts 8:20, the apostle Peter told a man, "Thy silver perish with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money." Simon the sorcerer had been purchasing the "magical arts" by which he deceived the people. The power of the apostles and inspired men could not be acquired with worldly substance. Man cannot "buy" a way into acceptability with God any more than Simon could acquire the power to work miracles with wealth. Money can be used to purchase much of this world, but it cannot purchase righteousness nor a home in heaven. In fact, money often does the opposite: it keeps one from being acceptable to the Creator of all mankind. What humans must realize is there is no purchasing power in material substance after one is dead. Heed the warning of the apostle Paul, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil"(I Timothy 6:10). What do you love?