Category: 1 Peter

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Born to Die.

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,” (I Peter 3:18).

In Jesus Christ, we see the person responsible for substitutionary atonement. We also see in this verse the purpose of substitutionary atonement: “that He (Jesus Christ) might bring us to God.”

The subject throughout this one verse remains Jesus Christ. Not only is He the only One who provides substitutionary atonement on the sinner’s behalf, He does so with a particular purpose in mind which is to reconcile sinners to God the Father.

Peter introduces a purpose clause in the latter part of this verse with the phrase “that he might bring.” To bring (προσάγω; prosago) means that Jesus was totally committed to the goal of saving sinners and bringing them into the presence of God. As our leader, Jesus leads us to the Father.

Jesus is able to do so not only because He died on the cross for sins, but also because He credits His righteousness on our behalf. We receive this righteousness, or justification, by faith. Romans 3:21-26 says, But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”

Jesus’ substitutionary atonement for sinners has open the way of salvation. Charles Wesley explained it this way in the following, beloved Christmas carol.

Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With th’angelic hosts proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King

Verse 2

Christ by highest heav’n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of the Virgin’s womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail th’incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with men to dwell
Jesus our Emmanuel
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King

Verse 3

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace
Hail the Sun of Righteousness
Light and life to all He brings
Ris’n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King

Verse 4

Come Desire of nations come
Fix in us Thy humble home
Rise the woman’s conqu’ring seed
Bruise in us the serpent’s head
Adam’s likeness now efface
Stamp Thine image in its place
Second Adam from above
Reinstate us in Thy love
Hark the herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King.

Merry Christmas!

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How Marvelous, How Wonderful.

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,” (I Peter 3:18).

In Jesus Christ, we see the person responsible for substitutionary atonement. Jesus the Messiah is the only one who is identified as one who suffered once for sins. Peter also identifies Jesus Christ as the only righteous one who died and rose again for the unrighteous.

The word righteous (δίκαιος; dikaios) means upright and just. Jesus was always in perfect harmony with God the Father’s will. He met the standard of what God requires. Jesus could do so because He is Emmanuel, God with us.

This righteous and just one died for the unrighteous (ἄδικος; adikos). To be unrighteous means to not be upright or just. It literally means to be crooked. Therefore, this is why we may call a criminal who has broken the law a “crook.”

This reminds us of 1 Peter 2:19 in that the sinlessness of Christ is the one perfect offering for sin. This is what gives Jesus Christ’s blood value. He had no sin himself. Lost sinners today still fail to understand this truth.

Hymn writer Charles Hutchinson Gabriel described Jesus’ atonement as follows. Let us also stand in amazement of God’s love for you and me.

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene
And wonder how He could love me
A sinner condemned unclean

Chorus

How marvelous how wonderful
And my song shall ever be
How marvelous how wonderful
Is my Savior’s love for me

Verse 2

He took my sins and my sorrows
He made them His very own
(And) He bore the burden to Calvary
And suffered and died alone

Verse 3

And with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see
It will be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me

Merry Christmas!

 

 

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Once for Sins.

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,” (I Peter 3:18).

In Jesus Christ, we see the person responsible for substitutionary atonement. Jesus the Messiah is the only one who is identified as one who suffered once for sins. The word suffered (πάσχω; pascho) means to experience pain. Certainly, Jesus experienced excruciating physical pain and suffering while on the cross. But so did the two thieves crucified with Him. What made Jesus’ death on a cross different?

Peter gives us the answer this way: “Christ also suffered once for sins.” The phrase “once for sins” gives us the insight to the distinct difference in Jesus’ death. Jesus did not die because of sins He committed, but rather died on behalf of sinners like you and me.

The word “once” (ἅπαξ; hapax) means once and for all or once and never again. Jesus did not have to continually die again and again on behalf of sinners. One time was enough. The word once means one for all kinds of people and not once upon a time.  “For sins” (περί ἁμαρτία; peri hamartia) means that Jesus died, and only died, on behalf of or with regard to those who have done wrong: sinners.

Romans 6:10 says, “For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.”

Hebrews 10:8-10 says, “8 First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. 9 Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second.10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

Peter wants persecuted believers to understand that the example of Christ should stir us to patient endurance. The death He died was for our sins, not his (I Peter 1:18). Jesus was, and remains, the sinner’s sin offering (Lev. 5:7; 6:30).

May we be strong in Christ remembering that the life we live, we live for Christ and the death we die should honor Christ. Have a blessed day!

Soli deo Gloria!

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The Great Exchange.

18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,” (I Peter 3:18).

No matter the degree of suffering we may encounter as believers in Christ, it pales in comparison to the suffering Jesus Christ experienced on the cross. In paralleling what he has already said in I Peter 2:24, the apostle returns to the core truth of the gospel: the substitutionary atonement provided by Jesus Christ.

I Peter 3:18 is in harmony with several other passages of Scripture not written by Peter, but which also teach substitutionary atonement.

  • Romans 4:24-25: It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.”
  • 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
  • Galatians 3:13: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—
  • Hebrews 9:24-28: For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, 26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”

Peter also illustrates the truths he gave in 3:13–17. Christ provides the perfect example. He suffered for doing what was right in the eyes of God (2:14). His sinless and righteous life caused the unjust anger of evil men. However, He did not fear them but kept trusting Himself to God. Jesus Christ died in the sinner’s place, keeping a clear conscience (cf. 2:23). As a result, God gave Him tremendous blessing and reward in His own resurrection and subsequent exultation.

While our suffering for Christ cannot equal what Christ accomplished in His suffering on the cross for sinners, we can be so identified with Him, and therefore bring Him glory, when we suffer for His name. Take time at this moment to thank God for the opportunities to suffer for the gospel.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

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Better to Suffer.

15 “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil” (I Peter 3:15-17).

Peter adds a final encouraging statement in vs. 17. Consider it a New Testament Proverb.

Peter says that it is better (κρείττων; kreitton) or superior in God’s perspective to suffer for doing something God considers good, than to do that which God considers evil. This statement parallels what Peter has already said in I Peter 2:20, and what he will say in I Peter 4:15-16.

Peter wants his readers to understand that whatever we may experience in defending the gospel, even if it is evil, will fit God’s perfect and sovereign will for our lives. When we pray “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10) we are consciously submitting to God’s rule and reign in our lives, even if that means suffering for His Name’s sake.

One pastor writes, “Peter pointed out that it may be God’s will (thelēma; cf. 2:15; 4:2, 19) for them (believers) to suffer for doing good (cf. 1:6; 2:15; 4:16, 19). This, as he told them earlier, “is commendable before God” (2:20) and so is better than deserved suffering for doing evil (cf. 2:14). First Peter 3:17 is an effective summary of the content of 2:15, 19–20.”

Suffering for the gospel, not matter how small, can be discomforting. However, let us not forget the great cloud of witnesses who lived before us who testify that suffering for the truth of God is worth it (Hebrews 11:1-12:2). We live now in the wonderful company of those who lived before us and who served the living God. Let us live a legacy that parallels theirs.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

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A Clear Conscience.

15 “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame” (I Peter 3:15-16).

When we follow the Lord’s instructions, such as set forth in I Peter 3:15, we stand before the Lord with a clear conscience. This is because we have done what He has asked. Peter uses the phrase “good conscience” to mean having a moral and beneficial sensitivity before God and other people. This clear conscience is a result of our obedience to God.

This brings us to Peter’s purpose clause in the latter part of vs. 16. God will be pleased with our gentleness and respect to people as we share the gospel, This results in a good or clear conscience. This will help us “when” we are slandered.

Slander (καταλαλέω; katalaleo) means to speak evil of someone (I Peter 2:12). This type of speech is intended to hurt the subject in question. Peter is preparing us for the time when we will be verbally attacked because of our commitment to share the gospel. Again notice that Peter does not say we might be slandered but that we will be slandered. It is not a question of if, but rather only a question of when.

Have people lied about you to others? Have they said things you knew were not true, but perhaps had no way of proving it? Have you experienced the pain of friends believing the lies about you, as told by others? What will happen when people slander us?

If we continue to maintain a gentle and respectful attitude and behavior when people slander us because of our commitment to the truth of God, God will put them to shame. People who dishonor us and our good behavior (anastrophe), God will dishonor.

Peter encouraged his readers with the fact that good behavior, gentleness and respect being but two examples, is their best defense against unjust punishment and persecution.

How have you been slandered recently? Was it by a once close friend? Be encouraged, my friend. God will make it right.

Soli deo Gloria!

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Gentleness and Respect.

15 “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (I Peter 3:15).

The specific ways we fulfill Peter’s instructions about sharing the gospel to those who ask us for the hope and confidence we have in the gospel is clear. Peter gives us two qualifications when we answer people’s questions about the gospel.

First, we are to give an answer with gentleness. Gentleness (πραΰτης; prautes) refers to meekness and humility. This is in contrast to being harsh in our dealings with people.

Second, we are to also give an answer with respect (φόβος; phobos). This means we treat the person, or persons, in question with an attitude of admiration, esteem and even reverence.

God never calls us to answer people’s questions concerning the gospel with sarcasm or arrogance. Thus far, we are approaching this subject with a perspective that the people asking the questions are doing so with a sincere interest in our biblical answers. However, even if they aren’t we are to be humble and respectful to them. Peter will have more to say about this in the verses to follow.

I remember one student I had years ago who would ask questions it seemed for the expressed purpose of trying to trip me up in my biblical answers. It could be somewhat frustrating because while I sought to be gentle and respectful, I detected no such attitude from him. Neither it seemed did others in the classroom.

Gentleness and respect are to be what we display even when Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormons come to our front door. God does not call us to be harsh with them, but rather to be prepared to give an answer to them with humility and good will. We possess the good news of salvation. They don’t!

Pastor Burk Parson explains that, “God calls us to be ready to make a defense for the hope that is within us, but notice that He calls us to do it with gentleness and respect. Apologetics isn’t just for some Christians, it is for all Christians. We all must know what we believe, why we believe it, how to live it, how to defend it, and how to proclaim it – and we must do so with gentleness and respect.”

While we may have little to no control over other people’s attitudes in situations I’ve just described, we can control our own attitude with the Holy Spirit’s help. Ask God even at this moment to give you an attitude of gentleness and respect in anticipation of people who will ask you questions about the gospel.

Soli deo Gloria!

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Answering Questions.

15 “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (I Peter 3:15).

As we set about to honor in our hearts Christ the Lord as holy, and always being prepared to make a defense of the gospel, to whom are we engaging with our preparation to defend the gospel? Peter provides the answer in the latter part of vs. 15.

We are to honor and prepare to defend the gospel to anyone we come into contact with. Now, Peter does give us some qualifications as to whom this people specifically are. They could be anyone and everyone we meet. However, what they want to talk to us about is not the weather, but God.

First, they are people who ask (αἰτέω; aito) demand or plead to us for something. These are people who are asking questions with an urgency, even to point of being demanding. What could be so important? Where we got the great deal on our new car?

Second, for what are they asking? The answer to their question is a reason (λόγος; logos) or a verbal statement from us for the hope (ἐλπίς; elpis) or confident expectation we have within our souls regarding the salvation we have from God through Jesus Christ. That is what the phrase “the hope that is in you” means.

The tone of this statement is one of urgency. While it is certain that Jesus calls all believers to share the gospel throughout their lives (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8), He also calls us to be especially prepared for those who urgently want to know not only what we believe, but why we believe it, regarding how we as sinful people can become right with God.

These encounters may occur in a hospital room, a funeral home, or even in someone’s home where the urgent desire for an answer to their questions about the gospel of God is sought. We are not to dismiss the questions, or dare I say, put them off for another day. No! God calls us to be prepared for that specific moment whenever and wherever it may happen.

So, be prepared? How is your preparation coming along? Are you getting ready for that family gathering featuring burgers and bratwurst? How about your upcoming Christmas gatherings? Perhaps you should put the Bible on your list.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

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Be Ready.

15 “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (I Peter 3:15).

To defend the Scriptures before an unbelieving culture begins with honoring Jesus Christ as holy. We are to do this with all of our being. This attitude leads us to our responsibility of always being prepared. The word prepared (ἕτοιμος; hetoimos) means to be ready, or to do that which is necessary prior to an event. We are to always be prepared to share the gospel prior to when we share the gospel.

For example, when my wife and I have Thanksgiving Dinner at our home, she prepares for this meal days ahead and not just hours. She thinks about the turkey she will buy, the assorted accessories to the meal (mash potatoes; dressing; her buttermilk squash) along with when she will actually begin preparing the meal earlier that day, which is hours before our guests arrive. She also prepares by having the dinner table set just so, perhaps even the night before. When our friends and family do arrive for Thanksgiving Dinner, they sit down to enjoy a meal that’s been well planned for everyone’s enjoyment.

Being prepared to share the Scriptures requires the same amount of discipline and preparation. It takes time. How do we then prepare? Here are some suggestions.

The resources are easily available. Begin today to prepare to make a defense for the gospel.

Soli deo Gloria!

 

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Be Prepared.

15 “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (I Peter 3:15).

Not only are we to not fear, or be troubled, by those who would persecute us for being zealous for good and for God (I Peter 3:13-14), God also calls us to be prepared to share the gospel to those very same individuals. I Peter 3:15 provides believers with the foundational biblical text regarding the task and responsibility of biblical apologetics.

Apologetics addresses and answers any and all critics who oppose or question the revelation of God in Christ and the Bible. In short, it means to make a defense. The word apologetics is taken from I Peter 3:15 from the word defense (ἀπολογία; apologia). Rather than making an “apology” for biblical truth, the word means to speak on behalf of oneself or of others against accusations presumed to be false—‘to defend oneself. In this case, what the believer speaks on behalf of is the truth of Scripture in general, and the gospel in particular.

In preparing ourselves to defend the Scriptures, we in effect are honoring in our hearts Christ the Lord as holy. Our heart (καρδία; kardia) is our intellect, emotions and will, or our soul. It is the core of who we are. With all of our being, God commands us to honor Jesus. To honor (ἁγιάζω; hagiazo) means to hallow or to consecrate Jesus Christ as the holy God He is (Isaiah 6; I Peter 1:16).

One way to prepare our hearts to defend the Scriptures is by never forgetting what the Scriptures teach regarding God’s holiness. Reading and meditating upon Isaiah 6 is one way. Singing hymns regarding the holiness of God is another, such as the following by Reginald Heber.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Soli deo Gloria!