Thursday in the Fifth Week of Ordinary Time

1 Peter 1:1-2

Chosen

Today, we take just one verse, but one so full of wonder.  Speaking of those exiles scattered abroad Asia Minor, Peter calls them, “elect,” another word for “chosen.” And about their having been chosen, the Apostle continues, “according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood.”  That’s quite a mouthful which affords so much theology and comfort for the people of God.  Let’s take each phrase one at a time.

“To those who are elect exiles…according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.”  Please understand that when the New Testament speaks of God’s foreknowledge, it does not mean that which God saw ahead of time that we would do or would happen.  We do not worship a God who reacts to our decisions or the world’s doings; we do not worship a God who mops up after us.  We worship a God who is sovereign over all.  He foreknows because He foreordains, and one thing He has foreordained are those who will be His people.  Jesus said, “All that the Father gives me will come to me…that I should lose nothing of all that He has given me” (John 6:37-39).  God calls those whom He predestines and foreknows (Romans 8:29-30).  There are too many passages of Scripture to post here, so let us suffice it to say, the Father gives unto the Son a people for whom he gives his life on the cross. 

But we move too quickly.  Interestingly enough, Peter does not move from the Father to the work of the Son but to the work of the Holy Spirit whose task it is to apply the blood of Christ to our lives in that sanctifying work which begins with our rebirth.  It is that new birth that is the manifestation and proof of the Father’s prior election of the believer, for it is the new birth—that work of the Spirit within—that causes him to believe the good news.  That good news concerns the “sprinkling with his blood” which is the forgiveness of our sins.  But it is even more than that: Through the Spirit’s continual sanctifying work in our lives, the blood of Christ continually cleanses us of sin as we submit to and obey him.  Hear 1 John 1:7: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 

The purpose of God’s choosing us, the Son’s shedding his blood for us, and the Spirit’s birthing us anew is so that God may have a holy people to worship and obey Him that He may call His own.  And we couldn’t be that on our own—God had to make it happen.  And that’s just what He did!

Author: The Reformed Baptist

My name is Stephen Taylor, ordained Baptist minister of eighteen years pastoral experience with a Ph.D. in Historical Theology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Better than that, I am married to a godly woman, Karla, who has been very patient with me since 1989. I have two daughters, both of whom I homeschooled for extended periods of time, who became godly young women, and who ran off and married godly young men, all of which is very proper. The oldest daughter has even seen fit to bless me with a grandson and a granddaughter, and my youngest daughter with a grandson, all three of whom are bundles of exceeding joy. As you can see, I am quite blessed. This website is dedicated to helping people grow in the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ through the gift of writing that the Lord has given to me. It is specifically about helping His people grow in godliness, the theme you see repeated above. I write devotions with this aim and hope that they might be of some help to God’s people. Full disclosure: I am of a Reformed bent, meaning that my understanding of Scripture is primarily informed by the Reformers and their successors of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. However, as a student of church history and theology, I strive to remain true to that teaching handed down once for all unto the saints through every age of the Church. I like to think of myself as a “catholic” Christian, as the Reformers thought of themselves. At any rate, feel free to read, pray, and contact me if you wish, or correct me if need be. As you can see, I tend to follow the church year. Of course, I make no special claims about these devotions. I know very well that others have written better and plumbed the depths of God’s word with greater insight. But if my musings help someone draw closer to the Lord, well then, I have my reward. Blessings to you and may the God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ speak to you that word which He knows you especially need to hear. Grace & peace, Stephen Taylor

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