Text:I Peter 5:8-ff.

Today we finish up the first epistle of Peter.  Peter reminds us of the testimony of the true grace of God.  So the question is, what is the true grace of God that Peter references?  Well, let us take a look at what he wrote.  Remember that grace is unmerited favor.  In other words, getting what you and I do not deserve.

First, in chapter 1 we were reminded that Christ has begotten us not a lively hope.  We see that salvation was now realized.  In the past, prophets looked into it trying to understand how it would specifically happen.  Once Christ came in the flesh and said for sin, salvation was realized.  Peter also reminds us that this salvation was put in place before the world’s foundations were set.  The plan was and is eternal.  

In Chapter 2 and 3 we see that the true grace of God makes us living stones.  We are strangers in this word but family with God.  We also have liberty in Christ or the ability to please the Father.  The true grace of God brings submission and unity in the believers through the same quickening Spirit that rose Jesus from the grave.

The rest of the epistle rounds out in chapter 4 and 5 with teaching us that this grace gives us the ability to live above the world and even gives us exceeding great joy in the midst of trials.  The true grace of God gives us power over the devil and the evil in this world.  

So, the natural response to the true grace of God is then to stand.  If all of this is true, how can we not stand in the true grace of God?  The victory is already won.  God has already overcome the world.  You and I are now heirs to the throne and joint heirs with Christ.  Stand firm and lets stand together.  

Stand fast in the liberty we have in Christ, Gal. 5:1.  Stand in the armor of God, Eph. 6:14.  Stand in the promise of God, Phil. 4:1.  Stand in the truth that transcends all time, II Thess. 2:15.  It is never too late to stand in the Truth of Christ.  What this world needs now is the people of God standing together in the Truth of the Word.  One can be strong but many have multiplied strength!