“…I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.”
Peter wanted his readers to understand that when they face suffering they needed to be reminded of His grace. Think of the greatness of God. Recognize His work for your salvation, how He carried out His plan by the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ, then think of the wonderful benefits they had received. Peter reminded them in this letter of the fact that God chose them.
Remember also God chose you. He loves you even though right now you may not sense that. He is carrying out the plan for which you were created. Because you are remaining faithful to Jesus Christ, you will be especially blessed when Jesus Christ returns. Your heavenly inheritance, which is far greater than any job, any family, any position, any money, is reserved for you by God Himself. Part of what you are going through is God's means of making you more like Jesus Christ and perfecting your character and teaching important spiritual lessons if you are willing to hear it.
Grace is seen in your great Salvation. God, who began the work in you, will see it through. I remember for myself as far as God the Father is concerned, I was saved when He chose me in Christ before the foundations of the world. As far as the Son is concerned, I was saved when He died for me on the cross, and as far as the Spirit is concerned, I was saved one summer night in 1956 at the age of 9. I asked Christ to come into my life and save me from my sins. Then it all came together. God in His Triune nature carried out His saving plan for my soul, and yours.
The grace of God is revealed by believing the gospel. Peter also showed his readers that what they have in Jesus Christ was far greater than what was received by Old Testament prophets, fathers, and saints. They longed for the revelation of the Messiah and now Jesus has come. We are recipients of the grace of God in far greater way that people of old could even imagine. Even the heavenly beings become observers, not participants, in the grace that is ours.
Peter showed how God marvelously called us, prepared us, purchased us through the works of the Son, and purifies us through the works of the Holy Spirit. Angels long to look into the wondrous works of God that is for our rejoicing. Many people have yet to hear that good news. You've heard it and responded to it because of God's grace.
Grace is seen in an inheritance that will never pass away. The original readers lost homes, money, jobs, property, and loved ones. Things of this earth will pass away, but the reminder of our inheritance gives peace.
Application: Meditate on this: You will see Him when He returns and rewards your faithfulness. That is our living hope.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for this gift of Your Word and the incredible grace it reveals, that Angels long to look into.
