Text:I1 Peter 1:1-4
Today we will begin a new study in the book of II Peter. Verse one gives us much to discuss and will be the focus of today’s topic, Like Precious Faith. In this verse we see three words I would like to zero in on. First, is obtained. This means to receive by divine allotment. This idea has caused some turmoil in the church as far as salvation is concerned. The Bible tells us indeed that Christ draws all men to Himself, John 6:42-47. What does this mean and is there a roll in salvation that man has that does not diminish the role of God? Well, God came to this earth and took on flesh to be born as the perfect sacrifice. It is His gift of the Son’s life and blood that allows man to receive salvation. There is nothing man can do to diminish this at all. God came to earth to span the gap that man could never span or rectify.
God also puts His signature all over His creation, Rom. 1:18-23. Anyone who looks at God’s creation has to come to the cognitive conclusion that there is a Creator at a minimum. The Law is also placed in everyone’s heart to lead him to the Savior, Rom. 2:12-16. God is willing that no one should perish, therefore, God gives everyone the opportunity to see and love God.
We must choose God. Mark 8:34, Christ Himself tells us that everyone must deny self and choose to follow Him. Notice that Christ does not say that God chooses anyone to follow Christ. We need to agree with what God puts in our hearts and listen to the schoolmaster, Gal. 3:21-25. Christ uses a very important word, if. This means that if man chooses to deny self and follow Christ, God will give faith. If we call on the name of the Lord, we shall be saved.
The last two words are precious faith. Precious means equally esteemed, honored, or precious. God saves us all from eternal damnation. God takes our sinful man and cleanses each of us. We are all secure in His hand and love, John 10:28, 29; Rom. 8:38, 39. We all have God’s precious salvation and faith. Faith is of course obedience to Truth. Faith comes by hearing the Word and acting in obedience, Heb. 11. May we live in precious faith!